Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Citation Xls vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, optimized for short and unimproved strips and rugged regional flying rather than speed. It typically offers the highest seat count of the three in a commuter-style layout, often around 9–14 passengers depending on configuration, but it has the shortest range, generally on the order of roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles. The Cessna Citation XLS+ is a midsize business jet aimed at comfortable, efficient point‑to‑point travel between major airports. It commonly carries about 7–9 passengers in executive seating and provides longer range than the Caravan, typically around 1,800–2,100 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a “super versatile” light business jet that bridges utility and jet performance, with strong short‑field capability compared with most jets. Passenger capacity is usually similar to the XLS+ (often 6–10 depending on fit), while range is broadly comparable, commonly around 1,800–2,000+ nautical miles, with an emphasis on access to smaller airfields.
| Spec | Cessna Citation XLS+ | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 5.34 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | XLS+ | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1906 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.67 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 7540 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,303 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 430 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $15,500,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 2 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | No |
| Jump Seat | No | No |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Galley Location | FWD | FWD |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 10 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | Galley | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 25230 | 23500 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PW545C | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 5000 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 10 | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 4119 | 3435 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 52.5 | 52.2 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 56.3 | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.7 | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.5 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 5.7 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 18.5 | 23 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 17.2 | 17.4 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 14.3 | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 80 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 10 | 90 |