Boeing Bbj Max 9 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Boeing BBJ MAX 9 is a long‑range, large‑cabin business airliner derived from the 737 MAX 9. It operates in the fixed‑wing VIP airliner category, offering intercontinental range on the order of roughly 6,000–7,000 nautical miles (configuration dependent) and typically carries a small VIP party in high comfort—often around 25–50 passengers in executive layouts, though it can be configured for many more. The Leonardo (Agusta) AW189 is a super‑medium, twin‑engine helicopter suited to offshore transport and utility/VIP missions. Its range is much shorter than the jets, generally a few hundred nautical miles (roughly 400–500 nm typical, mission dependent), and it commonly seats about 16–19 passengers plus crew depending on interior and regulatory layout. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet designed for flexible operations, including shorter or semi‑prepared runways. It sits between the other two in size and capability, with a typical range around 2,000 nm and an executive passenger capacity commonly about 6–10 (up to around 11 in high‑density arrangements).
| Spec | Boeing BBJ MAX 9 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.74 | $ 15.57 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 12 | 21 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Boeing | Leonardo | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | BBJ MAX 9 | AW189 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 6376 | 651 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 1.97 | $ 0.74 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 35 | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 77120 | — | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 7,396 | $ 2,413 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Honeywell | EFIS | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 470 | 155 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $107,700,000 | $2,413,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 | 6 |
| Configuration | Green Interior | — | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 35 | 19 | 10 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9 | — | 9.3 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 24000 | — | 23500 |
| Lavatory | — | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | LEAP-1B | CT7-2E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | On-Condition | 4000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 15 | — | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 28000 | — | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel | — |
| Horsepower | — | 1983 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 138.4 | 57.8 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 117.9 | — | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | Flat Floor | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 11.6 | — | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 7.1 | — | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 107.2 | — | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 40.3 | 16.6 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 10.7 | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 100.6 | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 1485 | 85 | — |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 395 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 90 |