Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Piaggio Avanti Evo vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a rugged single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, optimized for short/rough strips and cargo or mixed passenger work. It typically carries around 9 passengers and offers moderate range, generally suited to regional sectors rather than long nonstop trips. The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a twin‑engine medium helicopter aimed at offshore transport, SAR, and utility missions. Passenger capacity commonly falls in the mid‑teens (often up to about 16–19 depending on fit), with range comparable to or somewhat below many fixed‑wing turboprops, but with the unique advantage of point‑to‑point vertical access. The Piaggio Avanti EVO is a twin‑turboprop business aircraft emphasizing speed and efficiency. It usually seats about 6–9 passengers and provides longer range than the Caravan, making it better for fast regional-to-intercity travel. The Piper M600 SLS is a pressurized single‑engine turboprop business aircraft. It typically seats about 5–6 passengers, with range generally competitive in the owner‑flown turboprop class and oriented toward efficient personal or small‑team travel rather than utility lift.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Piaggio Avanti EVO | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | — | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 8 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Piaggio | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | Avanti EVO | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 1530 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | — | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 7 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | — | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 400 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $ 7,695,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 3775 | 2200 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 8 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 7 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | No | No |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | No | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 24000 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 6600 | 8644 |
| Galley Location | — | — | MID |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | PT6A–66B | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 3600 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | 850 | 600 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 28 | ISA + 55 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 100 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | 47.3 | 29.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 13.1 | 11.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | — | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | — | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 47.1 | 43.2 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 6.1 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.8 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 14.9 | 12.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.5 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 35.2 | 20 |