Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer
The Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a long‑range VIP airliner in the business‑jet category, offering intercontinental range (roughly 6,000+ nautical miles depending on fit) and typically carrying about a dozen to a few dozen passengers in a luxury layout, far more in airline seating if configured that way. The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft with short‑to‑medium range (about 900–1,200 nautical miles) and usually seats around 9–14 passengers, optimized for rugged, flexible operations. The Leonardo AW189 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter focused on offshore, SAR, and corporate shuttle missions, with moderate range (around 400–500 nautical miles) and typically carries roughly 12–16 passengers depending on configuration. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter with shorter range (about 300–400 nautical miles) and a smaller cabin, generally accommodating about 6–8 passengers. Overall, the BBJ MAX 9 dominates range and potential capacity, the Caravan emphasizes simple fixed‑wing utility, the AW189 balances payload and offshore‑class capability, and the MD 902 prioritizes compact helicopter operations.
| Spec | Boeing BBJ MAX 9 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.74 | $ 15.57 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 12 | 21 |
| Manufacturer | Boeing | Leonardo |
| Aircraft Name | BBJ MAX 9 | AW189 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 6376 | 651 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 1.97 | $ 0.74 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 35 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 77120 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 7,396 | $ 2,413 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Honeywell | EFIS |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 155 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $107,700,000 | $2,413,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 35 | 19 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24000 | — |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | LEAP-1B | CT7-2E1 |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 4000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | 28000 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel |
| Horsepower | — | 1983 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 138.4 | 57.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 117.9 | — |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 11.6 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 7.1 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 107.2 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 40.3 | 16.6 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 10.7 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 100.6 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 1485 | 85 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 395 |