Beechcraft Kingair Denali vs Cessna Caravan vs Daher Kodiak 100 Series Iii vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
By category, the Cessna Caravan and Daher Kodiak 100 Series III are rugged single‑engine turboprops optimized for utility work and short/rough-field operations; the Kodiak generally leans more toward STOL and backcountry performance, while the Caravan is a widely used workhorse for cargo, commuters, and special missions. The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX is a higher‑end single‑engine turboprop positioned as an executive and multi‑mission aircraft with a pressurized cabin and higher cruise efficiency. The Beechcraft King Air Denali is a new‑generation, single‑engine, pressurized business turboprop intended to compete near the top of the single‑engine class. On range, the Caravan and Kodiak typically offer the shortest legs, best suited to regional hops. The Denali and PC‑12 NGX are designed for longer, more business‑oriented missions, with the PC‑12 NGX generally in the long‑range lead and the Denali intended to be comparable. On passenger capacity, Caravan and Kodiak commonly seat up to around 9 passengers in commuter layouts, while the PC‑12 NGX and Denali typically seat fewer in executive configurations (often 6–9), trading density for comfort and speed.
| Spec | Beechcraft KingAir Denali | Cessna Caravan | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.08 | $ 3.07 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | GE® Aerospace | Cessna | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir Denali | Caravan | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1600 | 1070 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.68 | $ 0.38 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3280 | 3305 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,111 | $ 571 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Garmin G1000 NXi | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 285 | 186 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,150,000 | $2,355,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | No | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 5 | Un-Pressurized | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 11065 | — | 13100 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| Model | Catalyst™ | PT6A-114A | PT6E-67XP |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| FADEC | — | Yes | Yes |
| TBO (hrs) | — | 3600 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | — | 675 | 1200 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 31 | ISA + 35 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 14.86 | 37.6 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 54.3 | 52.1 | 53.33 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 5.4 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.6 | 12.8 | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 4.65 | 15 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | — | 4.25 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.6 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 48 | 32 | 40 |