Cessna Citation M2 vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx vs Beechcraft Kingair 350i
Commercial aircraft can be compared first by category: regional aircraft, narrow-body jets, and wide-body jets. Regional aircraft are designed for short hops between smaller airports and typically trade speed and comfort for efficiency and lower operating costs. Narrow-body jets dominate high-frequency domestic and short-to-medium international routes, balancing capacity with flexibility and quick turnaround times. Wide-body jets are built for long-haul and high-demand routes, emphasizing range, payload, and passenger comfort. Range generally increases with size and mission. Regional aircraft commonly cover short distances suitable for brief sectors, while narrow-bodies extend into medium-range missions that can include transcontinental or nearby international flights. Wide-bodies usually offer the longest range, enabling intercontinental operations with fewer restrictions. Passenger capacity follows a similar progression. Regional aircraft typically carry smaller loads appropriate for thinner routes. Narrow-bodies carry mid-sized groups, making them ideal for dense corridors without requiring the infrastructure and demand of very large aircraft. Wide-bodies carry the most passengers, supporting hub-to-hub travel where demand is high and route economics favor larger cabins.
| Spec | Cessna Citation M2 | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.45 | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Manufacturer | Cessna Citation | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | M2 | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1400 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.58 | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3810 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,395 | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G3000 | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 404 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $5,150,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Flight Rules | — | IFR |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Enclosed Belted Flushing | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Crew Rest | No | — |
| Jump Seat | No | — |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 7 | 9 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | FWD |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 8.5 | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 22027 | 13100 |
| Cargo Door | — | Yes |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | FJ44-1AP-21 | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 3500 | 5000 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 7 | ISA + 35 |
| Thrust (lbs) | 1965 | — |
| No. of Engines | 2 | 1 |
| Fuel Burn (lbph) | 516 | — |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 492 | — |
| Horsepower | — | 1200 |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 42.6 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 47.3 | 53.33 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | 0.4 | — |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.8 | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 11 | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14 | 14 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 3.1 | 4.25 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 8.8 | — |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | 46 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | — | 40 |