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Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Piaggio Avanti Evo

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, unimproved strips and rugged regional missions. It typically carries about 9–14 passengers (depending on fit) and offers roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles of range, prioritizing payload and simplicity over speed. The Enstrom 480B is a light single‑engine piston helicopter in a much smaller category, generally seating 4–5 with a range around 300–450 nautical miles, suited to training, patrol, and short‑leg point-to-point access. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a large twin‑engine helicopter designed for offshore and SAR-style work; it commonly accommodates about 16–19 passengers with a range roughly 450–550 nautical miles (higher with auxiliary fuel), trading speed for vertical lift and all-weather capability. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a twin‑turboprop business aircraft focused on high cruise speed and efficient longer trips, typically seating 7–9 with about 1,500–1,800 nautical miles of range, positioning it as the fastest and longest‑leg option among these.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Piaggio Avanti EVO
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 15.57
Min Crew11
Total Seats218
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerLeonardoPiaggio
Aircraft NameAW189Avanti EVO
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)6511530
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74
Max Cabin Seats197
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedUn-Verified
Standard Cabin Seats196
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,413
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISRockwell Collins Pro Line 21
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)155400
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,413,000$ 7,695,000
Useful Load (lbs)3775
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats218
Max Cabin Seats197
Standard Cabin Seats196
LavatoryNo
Cabin Pressure (psi)9
Galley / RefreshmentNo
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)24000
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)6600
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelCT7-2E1PT6A–66B
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40003600
Horsepower1983850
No. of Engines22
Flat RatingISA + 28
Fuel Burn (gph)100
Dimensions
Length (ft)57.847.3
Overall Height (ft)16.613.1
Rotor Diameter (ft)48
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)395
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)85
Wingspan (ft)47.1
Cabin Width (ft)6.1
Cabin Height (ft)5.8
Cabin Length (ft)14.9
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.5
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)35.2