Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Skycourier
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX and the Cessna SkyCourier are both utility turboprops aimed at short-haul regional, commuter, and cargo work, but they sit in slightly different categories. The Grand Caravan EX is best described as a single‑engine utility aircraft optimized for versatility and low operating complexity, commonly used for passenger shuttles, remote operations, and mixed passenger/cargo missions. The SkyCourier is a larger, twin‑engine utility aircraft positioned more as a high‑capacity commuter and freight hauler, with twin‑engine redundancy and greater volume for scheduled logistics. In range terms, both are typically used on short to medium legs; the Grand Caravan EX generally offers a longer published maximum range than the SkyCourier, though real‑world range depends heavily on payload, reserves, and operating conditions. For passenger capacity, the Grand Caravan EX is commonly configured around 9–14 seats depending on regulations and layout, while the SkyCourier is designed for higher-density commuter service at up to about 19 passengers, making it the better fit when consistently moving more people per trip.
| Spec | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Cessna SkyCourier |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.15 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Cessna |
| Aircraft Name | Grand Caravan EX | SkyCourier |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 964 | 900 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.39 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3332 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 614 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 195 | 200 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,695,000 | $7,375,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | Un-Pressurized |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-140 | PT6A-65SC |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 6000 |
| Horsepower | 867 | 1100 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 24 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 335 | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 41.6 | 54.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 72 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.8 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.1 | 19.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | — |