AIR.ONE

Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Pilatus Pc 24

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, typically used for short-haul regional, cargo, or rugged-field work. It carries about 9 passengers and has a moderate range on the order of roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on load and reserves. The Daher TBM 960 is a high-performance single‑engine turboprop in the personal/corporate category. It prioritizes speed and efficiency over cabin volume, usually seating 4–6 passengers in comfort (up to around 6–7 with options), with a longer typical range of roughly 1,400–1,700 nautical miles. The Leonardo AW189 is a twin‑engine medium helicopter aimed at offshore, SAR, and transport missions. It generally carries around 16–19 passengers in high-density layouts, with practical range commonly around 450–500 nautical miles (mission-dependent). The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet designed for flexibility, including operation from shorter or semi-prepared runways. It typically seats 6–8 passengers (up to about 10 in some configurations) and offers jet-range capability around roughly 1,800–2,000 nautical miles.

SpecDaher TBM 960AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Pilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 2.25$ 15.57$ 3.71
Min Crew111
Total Seats6216
Flight RulesIFRIFR—
ManufacturerDaher TBMLeonardoPilatus
Aircraft NameTBM 960AW189PC-24
Aircraft TypeTurbo Prop——
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)17306512076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.56$ 0.74$ 0.62
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)2908—6680
Standard Cabin Seats4196
Direct Operating Cost$ 744$ 2,413$ 1,619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000EFISPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)330155440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$4,450,000$2,413,000$11,800,000
Max Cabin Seats—1910
Cabin
Cockpit222
LavatoryNo—1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew111
Total Seats6216
Galley LocationMID—FWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.2—9.3
Standard Cabin Seats4196
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)14390—23500
Max Cabin Seats—1910
Crew Rest——No
Jump Seat——No
Cargo Door——Yes
Lavatory Location——FWD
Galley / Refreshment——Optional Refreshment Center
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelTBM 960CT7-2E1FJ44-4A-QPM
TBO (hrs)350040005000
Horsepower8501983—
Flat RatingISA + 49—ISA + 23
Fuel Type—JetFuel—
No. of Engines—22
Thrust (lbs)——3435
Dimensions
Length (ft)35.357.852.2
Wingspan (ft)42.1—55.8
Cabin Width (ft)4—5.6
Cabin Height (ft)4.1—5.1
Cabin Length (ft)13.4—23
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)123395—
Overall Height (ft)—16.617.4
Rotor Diameter (ft)—48—
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)—85—
Aisle Step (ft)——Flat Floor
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)——3.8
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)——17
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)——90