Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Enstrom 480b vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, optimized for short/rough strips and simple logistics. It typically offers a useful range on the order of 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on load and reserves, and commonly carries about 9 passengers in commuter configuration (or fewer with special-mission/cargo fit). The Enstrom 480B is a single‑engine piston helicopter in a much lighter category, suited to short-range point‑to‑point access rather than airline-style lift. Typical range is roughly 300–400 nautical miles, with seating generally around 4–5 occupants including the pilot. The Leonardo AW189 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter aimed at offshore, SAR, and corporate shuttle roles. Range is commonly around 450–500+ nautical miles depending on tanks and mission equipment, and passenger seating is often in the mid‑teens, typically about 16–19. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light twin‑engine business jet, prioritizing speed and longer legs. Range is roughly 1,900–2,000 nautical miles, and it typically seats about 6–10 passengers depending on interior layout.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 6680 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 23500 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 23 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | 52.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 55.8 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 23 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 90 |