Beechcraft Kingair Denali vs Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Skycourier vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
In category terms, the Beechcraft Denali and Pilatus PC-12 NGX are single‑engine turboprop business/utility aircraft aimed at higher speed, comfort, and owner-operator missions, while the Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a rugged single‑engine turboprop optimized for short-haul utility, charter, and cargo work. The Cessna SkyCourier is a larger, twin‑engine turboprop utility freighter/commuter designed primarily around payload, volume, and airline-style reliability rather than premium cabin travel. For range, the PC-12 NGX and Denali generally sit at the top of this group, suited to longer point-to-point missions, with typical maximum ranges roughly in the 1,500–1,800+ nautical mile class depending on configuration and reserves. The Grand Caravan EX is usually shorter-legged, commonly around the 900–1,200 nautical mile class. The SkyCourier typically lands in a similar short-to-mid range bracket, often around the 900–1,200 nautical mile class, depending heavily on payload and mission profile. For passenger capacity, the Grand Caravan EX commonly seats up to about 9 passengers, the PC-12 NGX typically up to about 9, and the Denali is expected to be in the same general 8–10 seat class. The SkyCourier generally carries more, typically around 19 passengers in commuter configuration.
| Spec | Beechcraft KingAir Denali | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Cessna SkyCourier | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.08 | $ 3.15 | — | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 | 21 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | GE® Aerospace | Cessna | Cessna | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir Denali | Grand Caravan EX | SkyCourier | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1600 | 964 | 900 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.68 | $ 0.39 | — | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 19 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3280 | 3332 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 19 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,111 | $ 614 | — | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Garmin G1000 NXi | Gyro / Analog | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 285 | 195 | 200 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,150,000 | $2,695,000 | $7,375,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | ||||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | No | No | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 11 | 10 | 21 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 19 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 5 | Un-Pressurized | Un-Pressurized | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 7 | 8 | 19 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 11065 | — | — | 13100 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Engine | ||||
| Model | Catalyst™ | PT6A-140 | PT6A-65SC | PT6E-67XP |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| FADEC | — | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TBO (hrs) | — | 4000 | 6000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | — | 867 | 1100 | 1200 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 24 | — | ISA + 35 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 335 | — | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Length (ft) | 14.86 | 41.6 | 54.9 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 54.3 | 52.1 | 72 | 53.33 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 5.4 | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.5 | — | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.6 | 16.8 | — | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 4.65 | 15.1 | 19.8 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | — | — | 4.25 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 12.6 | — | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 48 | 32 | — | 40 |