AIR.ONE

Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility airplane best suited to short, rugged routes; it typically carries about 9–14 passengers depending on configuration and offers roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles of range in real-world operations. The Leonardo AW189 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter optimized for offshore, SAR, and executive roles; it commonly seats around 16–19 passengers (layout dependent) with an approximate 450–500 nautical mile range, trading speed and range for vertical access. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a light twin helicopter aimed at EMS, police, and corporate missions; it usually accommodates about 6–8 passengers with a typical range around 300–400 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet focused on fast point‑to‑point travel (including many shorter runways than most jets); it generally seats 6–10 passengers and provides roughly 1,800–2,000 nautical miles of range, making it the longest‑range option here and the best for higher-speed regional trips.

SpecAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Pilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit22
DOC / nm$ 15.57$ 3.71
Min Crew11
Total Seats216
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerLeonardoPilatus
Aircraft NameAW189PC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)6512076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.74$ 0.62
Max Cabin Seats1910
OEM VerificationUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Standard Cabin Seats196
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,413$ 1,619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFISPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)155440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,413,000$11,800,000
Useful Load (lbs)6680
Cabin
Cockpit22
Min Crew11
Total Seats216
Max Cabin Seats1910
Standard Cabin Seats196
Lavatory1 Enclosed Flushing
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Cargo DoorYes
Galley LocationFWD
Lavatory LocationFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.3
Galley / RefreshmentOptional Refreshment Center
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)23500
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelCT7-2E1FJ44-4A-QPM
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)40005000
Horsepower1983
No. of Engines22
Flat RatingISA + 23
Thrust (lbs)3435
Dimensions
Length (ft)57.852.2
Overall Height (ft)16.617.4
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