AIR.ONE

Cessna Citation Xls vs Leonardo Aw189 vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Pilatus Pc 24

The Cessna Citation XLS+ and Pilatus PC-24 are light business jets, while the Leonardo AW189 and MD Helicopters 902 Explorer are twin‑engine helicopters, typically used for offshore, EMS, utility, or corporate rotorcraft missions. For range, the jets generally fly much farther and faster: the Citation XLS+ is roughly in the ~2,000‑nautical‑mile class, and the PC‑24 is typically longer‑legged at about ~2,000+ nautical miles depending on configuration. The AW189’s practical range is usually in the several‑hundred‑nautical‑mile class (often around ~450–500 nm, mission dependent), while the MD 902 is shorter still, commonly a few hundred nautical miles (often ~300–400 nm). In passenger capacity, the Citation XLS+ is commonly arranged for about 7–9 passengers, and the PC‑24 typically seats around 6–10 in executive layouts. The AW189 is substantially larger for cabin volume, often configured for around 16–19 passengers in transport roles (or fewer for VIP/EMS). The MD 902 is smaller, commonly carrying about 5–7 passengers plus pilot(s), depending on interior and mission equipment.

SpecCessna Citation XLS+AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW189Pilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 5.34$ 15.57$ 3.71
Min Crew211
Total Seats10216
ManufacturerCessna CitationLeonardoPilatus
Aircraft NameXLS+AW189PC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)19066512076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.67$ 0.74$ 0.62
Max Cabin Seats91910
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)75406680
Standard Cabin Seats8196
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,303$ 2,413$ 1,619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21EFISPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)430155440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$15,500,000$2,413,000$11,800,000
Flight RulesIFR
Cabin
Cockpit222
Lavatory1 Enclosed Belted Flushing1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew211
Crew RestNoNo
Jump SeatNoNo
Total Seats10216
Galley LocationFWDFWD
Max Cabin Seats91910
Lavatory LocationAFTFWD
Cabin Pressure (psi)9.39.3
Galley / RefreshmentGalleyOptional Refreshment Center
Standard Cabin Seats8196
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)2523023500
Cargo DoorYes
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelPW545CCT7-2E1FJ44-4A-QPM
TBO (hrs)500040005000
Flat RatingISA + 10ISA + 23
Thrust (lbs)41193435
No. of Engines222
Fuel TypeJetFuel
Horsepower1983
Dimensions
Length (ft)52.557.852.2
Wingspan (ft)56.355.8
Aisle Step (ft)0.7Flat Floor
Cabin Width (ft)5.55.6
Cabin Height (ft)5.75.1
Cabin Length (ft)18.523
Overall Height (ft)17.216.617.4
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)3.93.8
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)14.317
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)8085
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)1090
Rotor Diameter (ft)48
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)395