Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Cessna Citation M2 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
The Beechcraft King Air 260 is a twin‑turboprop in the light corporate/utility category, typically configured for about 6 to 9 passengers. It offers solid regional capability, with a typical range around 1,700 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. The Cessna Citation M2 is a very light jet aimed at short-to-medium business trips, generally seating 4 to 7 passengers in typical layouts. Its range is usually about 1,550 nautical miles, trading some cabin and baggage flexibility for higher cruise speeds and jet climb performance. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a single‑engine turboprop in the high‑performance utility/exec category, commonly set up for about 6 to 9 passengers, with maximum seating higher in commuter-style configurations. It typically provides the longest range of the three at roughly 1,800 nautical miles and is especially known for versatility—cargo-friendly cabin options and strong access to shorter or more unimproved runways—while cruising slower than the jet.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 260 | Cessna Citation M2 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.30 | $ 3.45 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | Cessna Citation | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir 250 | M2 | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1420 | 1400 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.72 | $ 0.58 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3760 | 3810 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,333 | $ 1,395 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 310 | 404 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,450,000 | $5,150,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.5 | 8.5 | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 15293 | 22027 | 13100 |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | No | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-52 | FJ44-1AP-21 | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 3500 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — | 1200 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 37 | ISA + 7 | ISA + 35 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 544 | 492 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 1965 | — |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | — | 516 | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 43.8 | 42.6 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 57.9 | 47.3 | 53.33 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 4.8 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.7 | 11 | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.8 | 14 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | 3.1 | 4.25 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.7 | 8.8 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 55 | — | 40 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | 0.4 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 46 | — |