Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Piaggio Avanti Evo
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short/rough-field work and flexible cabin layouts. It typically carries about 9 passengers and offers moderate range, making it well suited to regional shuttle, remote access, and cargo-to-passenger conversion missions rather than high-speed executive travel. The Daher TBM 960 is a high‑performance single‑engine turboprop in the personal/executive category. It generally seats 4–6 passengers in comfort (up to around 6–7 depending on configuration) and emphasizes longer-range, faster point-to-point trips than the Caravan, trading utility volume for speed and efficiency. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter aimed at offshore transport, SAR, and VIP/utility roles. Passenger capacity is typically in the mid-to-high teens (often around 16–19), with range oriented to offshore sectors and flexible helicopter access where runways aren’t available. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a twin‑turboprop executive aircraft focused on speed and cabin comfort. It commonly seats 6–8 passengers and offers long range comparable to many light jets, with significantly higher cruise speed than the Caravan and generally more cabin than the TBM.
| Spec | Daher TBM 960 | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Piaggio Avanti EVO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 2.25 | $ 15.57 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Daher TBM | Leonardo | Piaggio |
| Aircraft Name | TBM 960 | AW189 | Avanti EVO |
| Aircraft Type | Turbo Prop | — | — |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1730 | 651 | 1530 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.56 | $ 0.74 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 2908 | — | 3775 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 744 | $ 2,413 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | EFIS | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 330 | 155 | 400 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $4,450,000 | $2,413,000 | $ 7,695,000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 | 7 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | — | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 6 | 21 | 8 |
| Galley Location | MID | — | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.2 | — | 9 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 4 | 19 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 14390 | — | 24000 |
| Max Cabin Seats | — | 19 | 7 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | — | No |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 6600 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | TBM 960 | CT7-2E1 | PT6A–66B |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 4000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 1983 | 850 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 49 | — | ISA + 28 |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel | — |
| No. of Engines | — | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 100 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 35.3 | 57.8 | 47.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 42.1 | — | 47.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4 | — | 6.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.1 | — | 5.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 13.4 | — | 14.9 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 123 | 395 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | — | 16.6 | 13.1 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | — | 48 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | 85 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 3.5 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | — | 35.2 |