Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Dassault Falcon 8x vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, optimized for short/rough fields and regional hops rather than speed or luxury. Typical range is roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on load, and it commonly carries about 9–14 passengers in commuter configurations (often fewer in executive layouts). The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet aimed at efficient point‑to‑point travel with strong short‑runway capability for its class. Its range is about 2,000–2,100 nautical miles, and it typically seats 7–9 passengers in a standard executive cabin. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light jet with “super versatile” positioning: it combines jet speed with the ability to use shorter runways, including some unpaved surfaces. Range is generally around 2,000 nautical miles, with typical seating around 6–8 passengers (higher-density layouts are possible). The Dassault Falcon 8X is an ultra‑long‑range, large‑cabin business jet designed for intercontinental missions. Range is about 6,400 nautical miles, and typical seating is around 12–14 passengers (configurable higher or lower).
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Dassault Falcon 8X | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 7.66 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 17 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Dassault Falcon | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | 8X | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 6450 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.64 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 16 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | 36900 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 14 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 3,805 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Honeywell Primus EASy II | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 516 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $ 62,500,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 2 Enclosed Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | Yes | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 17 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 16 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD / AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 10.2 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 14 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | 29200 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 3900 | — |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW545C | PW307D | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | On-Condition | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | ISA + 17 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | 6722 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 52.5 | 80.2 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 56.3 | 86.3 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | 7.7 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | 6.2 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 18.5 | 42.7 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.2 | 26.1 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | 6.3 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.3 | 29.2 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 80 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 10 | 140 | 90 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 1695 | — |