Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, rugged strips. It typically carries about 9–14 passengers depending on configuration, with practical ranges commonly around 900–1,200 nautical miles. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a twin‑engine helicopter in the super‑medium class, aimed at offshore and SAR/utility roles. Seating is usually around 16–19 passengers, with typical ranges roughly 450–500 nautical miles (highly dependent on payload, reserves, and mission equipment). The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a twin‑engine turboprop business aircraft, positioned as a high‑speed executive/commuter platform. It generally seats about 6–9 passengers, with ranges commonly around 1,400–1,700 nautical miles. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a light business jet designed for “jet” speed with strong short/rough‑field capability. It typically seats about 6–10 passengers, with ranges roughly 1,800–2,000+ nautical miles, depending on payload and reserves.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Piaggio Avanti EVO | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | — | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Piaggio | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | Avanti EVO | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 1530 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | — | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 7 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | — | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 400 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $ 7,695,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 3775 | 6680 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 8 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 7 | 10 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 6 |
| Lavatory | — | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9 | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 24000 | 23500 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 6600 | — |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No |
| Cargo Door | — | — | Yes |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | PT6A–66B | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3600 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | 850 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 28 | ISA + 23 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 100 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | 47.3 | 52.2 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 13.1 | 17.4 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | — | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | — | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 47.1 | 55.8 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 6.1 | 5.6 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.8 | 5.1 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 14.9 | 23 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.5 | 3.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 35.2 | 90 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | — | 17 |