Cessna Caravan vs Daher Tbm 960 vs Piaggio Avanti Evo
The Cessna Caravan is best viewed as a rugged utility turboprop: it prioritizes short/rough-field capability, simple operations, and payload flexibility over speed. Typical range is roughly 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on load and reserves, and it commonly carries about 9–14 occupants in commuter configurations (often fewer in executive layouts), with a large cabin and strong cargo capability. The Daher TBM 960 is a high-performance, single-engine turboprop optimized for fast point-to-point travel. Its range is typically about 1,400–1,700 nautical miles, and passenger capacity is usually 4–6 plus a pilot, emphasizing comfort and speed rather than maximum seats or bulk cargo. The Piaggio Avanti EVO sits between light jets and turboprops in mission: it offers jet-like cruise speeds and a roomy cabin with efficient turboprop economics. Range is commonly around 1,500–1,800 nautical miles, and it generally seats about 6–7 passengers plus crew, making it the most “executive transport” oriented of the three while retaining turboprop fuel efficiency.
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Daher TBM 960 | Piaggio Avanti EVO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | $ 2.25 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Daher TBM | Piaggio |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | TBM 960 | Avanti EVO |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 1730 | 1530 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | $ 0.56 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | 7 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | 2908 | 3775 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | $ 744 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Garmin G3000 | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 330 | 400 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $4,450,000 | $ 7,695,000 |
| Aircraft Type | — | Turbo Prop | — |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — | — |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | — | 7 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | 6.2 | 9 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | — | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| Galley Location | — | MID | — |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 14390 | 24000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 6600 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-114A | TBM 960 | PT6A–66B |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 3500 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 675 | 850 | 850 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | ISA + 49 | ISA + 28 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | — | 2 |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | — | 100 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 35.3 | 47.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 42.1 | 47.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | 4 | 6.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | 4.1 | 5.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | 13.4 | 14.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | — | 13.1 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | — | 35.2 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | 123 | — |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 3.5 |