AIR.ONE

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

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is best viewed as a rugged, single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, unimproved strips and high-frequency regional or remote operations. Its typical range is around 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves, and it generally seats about 9 passengers in commuter or charter layouts (higher in some utility configurations). The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a medium twin‑engine helicopter, chosen when vertical access matters more than speed or runway availability, such as offshore, SAR, or point-to-point access to sites without landing strips. Its practical range is roughly 400–500 nautical miles, and it commonly carries about 16–19 passengers depending on configuration and mission equipment. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a pressurized twin‑turboprop business aircraft focused on speed and efficiency at altitude, offering a more “business jet–like” cruise than the Caravan. Its range is typically about 1,400–1,800 nautical miles, and it usually seats 7–9 passengers in executive layouts.

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