AIR.ONE

Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Cessna Skycourier vs Viking Dhc 6 Twin Otter

The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft, typically used for short‑to‑medium regional flying with a practical range around 900–1,200 nautical miles depending on payload and reserves. It commonly seats about 9–14 passengers in commuter layouts, with 9 seats often used in stricter regulatory environments. The Cessna SkyCourier is a newer, twin‑engine turboprop designed as a modern utility/freighter and regional commuter platform. In passenger form it is generally configured for up to about 19 seats, and its typical range is roughly in the 900–1,200 nautical mile class, varying strongly with payload and mission profile. The Viking DHC‑6 Twin Otter is a twin‑engine turboprop STOL aircraft optimized for rugged, short/rough-field operations. It usually carries about 15–19 passengers and generally offers a shorter typical range, often around 700–900 nautical miles, again depending on weight and fuel. Overall, Caravan EX emphasizes simplicity and economy, SkyCourier emphasizes higher-capacity modern twin operations, and Twin Otter emphasizes extreme-field capability with solid utility capacity.

SpecCessna Grand Caravan EXCessna SkyCourierViking DHC-6 Twin Otter
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 3.15$ 5.96
Min Crew121
Total Seats102121
Flight RulesVFRIFRIFR
ManufacturerCessnaCessnaViking
Aircraft NameGrand Caravan EXSkyCourierDHC-6 Twin Otter
CertificationFAA / EASAIn DevelopmentFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)964900775
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.39$ 0.31
Max Cabin Seats121919
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)33324425
Standard Cabin Seats81919
Direct Operating Cost$ 614$ 1,084
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000 NXiGyro / AnalogHoneywell Primus Apex
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)195200182
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,695,000$7,375,000 $7,150,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
LavatoryNoNoNo
Min Crew121
Cargo DoorYesYesYes
Total Seats102121
Max Cabin Seats121919
Cabin Pressure (psi)Un-PressurizedUn-PressurizedUn-Pressurized
Galley / RefreshmentNoNoNo
Standard Cabin Seats81919
Engine
FADECYesYesNo
ModelPT6A-140PT6A-65SCPT6A-34
TBO (hrs)400060004000
Horsepower8671100620
Flat RatingISA + 24ISA + 27
No. of Engines112
Fuel Capacity (gal)335378
Dimensions
Length (ft)41.654.951.8
Wingspan (ft)52.17265
Cabin Width (ft)5.45.4
Cabin Height (ft)4.55
Cabin Length (ft)16.818.5
Overall Height (ft)15.119.819.5
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)3288
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)384
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)4.4
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)35