Cessna Caravan vs Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Skycourier
The Cessna Caravan (208) is the baseline single‑engine utility turboprop, typically used for short‑to‑medium regional routes and rugged, low‑infrastructure operations; depending on fit it commonly carries about 9–14 passengers and offers roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles of range. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX (208B) is a stretched, more powerful evolution in the same category, aimed at heavier payloads and hotter‑and‑higher conditions while keeping similar mission flexibility; it is commonly configured for about 9–14 passengers as well, with range generally in the same ballpark (about 900–1,200 nautical miles) depending on payload and reserves. The Cessna SkyCourier (408) moves up a class into a larger twin‑engine utility freighter/commuter designed for higher volume and improved dispatch reliability; in passenger service it typically seats up to about 19, and its range is generally around 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on configuration and payload. Overall, the Caravan family prioritizes simplicity and STOL utility, while the SkyCourier emphasizes more capacity and twin‑engine operational margins.
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Cessna SkyCourier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | $ 3.15 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Cessna | Cessna |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | Grand Caravan EX | SkyCourier |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | In Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 964 | 900 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | $ 0.39 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | 3332 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | $ 614 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G1000 NXi | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 195 | 200 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $2,695,000 | $7,375,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 10 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 12 | 19 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | Un-Pressurized | Un-Pressurized |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 8 | 19 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-114A | PT6A-140 | PT6A-65SC |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 4000 | 6000 |
| Horsepower | 675 | 867 | 1100 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | ISA + 24 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | 335 | — |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 41.6 | 54.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 52.1 | 72 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 5.4 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | 16.8 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | 15.1 | 19.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | 32 | — |