Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Pilatus Pc 24 vs Piper M600 Sls
The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft typically used for short regional hops, rough-field work, and cargo/passenger shuttle missions. It offers short-to-medium range capability and generally seats up to about 9 passengers in commuter configuration (with flexibility for cargo or special missions). The Agusta/Leonardo AW189 is a twin‑engine medium helicopter aimed at offshore, SAR, and corporate/VIP transport. Compared with the fixed‑wing options, its range is generally shorter, but it provides vertical lift and access to remote sites; typical seating is roughly 16–19 depending on layout. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light business jet optimized for fast point‑to‑point travel, including operation from shorter runways than many jets. It delivers the longest range and highest cruise speed in this group, with typical seating around 6–10. The Piper M600 SLS is a pressurized single‑engine turboprop positioned as a personal/corporate aircraft. It offers medium range, higher speed than the Caravan, and usually seats about 5–6 passengers.
| Spec | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189 | Pilatus PC-24 | Piper M600 SLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 15.57 | $ 3.71 | $ 2.19 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | — | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Leonardo | Pilatus | Piper |
| Aircraft Name | AW189 | PC-24 | M600 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 651 | 2076 | 1406 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.74 | $ 0.62 | $ 0.55 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 | — |
| OEM Verification | Un-Verified | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 4 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 2,413 | $ 1,619 | $ 603 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | EFIS | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) | Garmin G3000 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 155 | 440 | 274 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,413,000 | $11,800,000 | $3,081,400 |
| Useful Load (lbs) | — | 6680 | 2200 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 21 | 6 | 5 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 19 | 10 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 19 | 6 | 4 |
| Lavatory | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing | No |
| Crew Rest | — | No | — |
| Jump Seat | — | No | — |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes | — |
| Galley Location | — | FWD | MID |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | — | 9.3 | 5.6 |
| Galley / Refreshment | — | Optional Refreshment Center | Refreshment Centre |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 23500 | 12600 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 8644 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | CT7-2E1 | FJ44-4A-QPM | PT6A-42A |
| Fuel Type | JetFuel | — | — |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 1983 | — | 600 |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Flat Rating | — | ISA + 23 | ISA + 55 |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 260 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 57.8 | 52.2 | 29.7 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 16.6 | 17.4 | 11.3 |
| Rotor Diameter (ft) | 48 | — | — |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | 395 | — | 165 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 85 | — | — |
| Wingspan (ft) | — | 55.8 | 43.2 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | — | 5.6 | 4.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | — | 5.1 | 4 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | — | 23 | 12.3 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 | — |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 90 | 20 |