Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Beechcraft King Air 260 and Pilatus PC-24 sit in different aircraft categories with overlapping missions. The King Air 260 is a twin‑turboprop business aircraft optimized for efficient regional travel, short-to-medium legs, and access to many smaller airports. The PC-24 is a twin‑engine light business jet designed to deliver jet speeds and altitude capability while still retaining strong short-field versatility for a jet. On range, the PC-24 generally offers longer typical NBAA-style range than the King Air 260, making it better suited to longer nonstop trips, while the King Air 260 is commonly used for shorter regional sectors where turboprop efficiency and operating economics can be advantageous. For passenger capacity, both can be configured similarly for executive travel. The King Air 260 is typically arranged for about six to nine passengers depending on interior layout. The PC-24 commonly seats around six to ten passengers in executive configurations and can be arranged for more in commuter or special-mission layouts.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 260 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.30 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir 250 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1420 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.72 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3760 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,333 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 310 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,450,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.5 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 15293 | 23500 |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | FWD |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-52 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 850 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 37 | ISA + 23 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 544 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 43.8 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 57.9 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.7 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.8 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.7 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 55 | 90 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |