Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Skycourier vs Daher Kodiak 100 Series Iii vs Pilatus Pc 12 Ngx
By category, the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, Cessna SkyCourier, and Daher Kodiak 100 Series III are rugged single‑engine turboprops optimized for utility work—short/rough-field ops, mixed cargo-passenger missions, and high-cycle regional flying—while the Pilatus PC‑12 NGX sits in the higher-end single‑engine turboprop class, commonly positioned as a premium business/utility aircraft with greater speed, comfort, and systems sophistication. On range, the PC‑12 NGX is generally the longest‑legged of the four (typically around 1,500–1,800 nm depending on payload and reserves), the Caravan EX and Kodiak 100 Series III are midrange utility performers (commonly roughly 900–1,200 nm mission-dependent), and the SkyCourier is often operated on shorter-to-medium regional sectors where payload and cycling matter more than maximum ferry distance (commonly about 800–1,200 nm depending on configuration and reserves). For passenger capacity, the SkyCourier is usually the largest, designed around up to 19 seats in commuter layout; the Grand Caravan EX commonly seats up to about 14; the Kodiak 100 Series III is typically around 10; and the PC‑12 NGX is usually configured for fewer passengers in more comfortable layouts (often 6–9), though it can be arranged more densely for utility use.
| Spec | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Cessna SkyCourier | Pilatus PC-12 NGX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.15 | — | $ 2.78 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Cessna | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Grand Caravan EX | SkyCourier | PC-12 NGX |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 964 | 900 | 1803 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.39 | — | $ 0.46 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 | 9 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3332 | — | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 614 | — | $ 793 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Gyro / Analog | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 195 | 200 | 290 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,695,000 | $7,375,000 | $5,350,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No | Optional |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 19 | 9 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | Un-Pressurized | 5.8 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 6 |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 13100 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-140 | PT6A-65SC | PT6E-67XP |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 6000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 867 | 1100 | 1200 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 24 | — | ISA + 35 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 335 | — | — |
| Usable Fuel (gal) | — | — | 402 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.6 | 54.9 | 47.25 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 72 | 53.33 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | — | 5 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | — | 4.9 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.8 | — | 16.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15.1 | 19.8 | 14 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | — | 40 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 4.25 |