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Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Leonardo Aw139 vs Pilatus Pc 24

The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, rugged strips and low operating cost. It typically carries about 9–14 passengers depending on interior and regulations, with a practical range around 900–1,200 nautical miles, making it well suited to regional shuttle, cargo, and remote access missions. The Leonardo AW139 is a twin‑engine helicopter, so it trades fixed‑wing cruise efficiency for vertical lift and point‑to‑point access. Cabin layouts commonly seat roughly 8–15 passengers, and typical range is about 550–650 nautical miles with standard reserves, aligning with offshore transport, EMS, and VIP missions where landing sites are constrained. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light business jet focused on speed and longer legs, while retaining the ability to use relatively short runways. It generally seats 6–10 passengers in executive configurations, with range around 1,800–2,000 nautical miles, making it strongest for longer regional or intercity trips where time and comfort matter most.

SpecCessna Grand Caravan EXAGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139Pilatus PC-24
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 3.15$ 11.69$ 3.71
Min Crew121
Total Seats10176
Flight RulesVFRIFR—
ManufacturerCessnaLeonardoPilatus
Aircraft NameGrand Caravan EXAW139PC-24
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)9645732076
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.39$ 0.69$ 0.62
Max Cabin Seats121510
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDUn-VerifiedVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)333247016680
Standard Cabin Seats8156
Direct Operating Cost$ 614$ 1,929$ 1,619
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G1000 NXiEFISPilatus ACE (Primus Apex)
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)195165440
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$2,695,000 $15,900,000 $11,800,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
LavatoryNo—1 Enclosed Flushing
Min Crew121
Cargo DoorYes—Yes
Total Seats10176
Max Cabin Seats121510
Cabin Pressure (psi)Un-Pressurized—9.3
Galley / RefreshmentNo—Optional Refreshment Center
Standard Cabin Seats8156
Crew Rest——No
Jump Seat——No
Galley Location——FWD
Lavatory Location——FWD
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)——23500
Engine
FADECYesYesYes
ModelPT6A-140PT6C-67CFJ44-4A-QPM
TBO (hrs)400050005000
Horsepower8671679—
Flat RatingISA + 24—ISA + 23
No. of Engines122
Fuel Capacity (gal)335414—
Fuel Type—JetFuel—
Thrust (lbs)——3435
Dimensions
Length (ft)41.654.752.2
Wingspan (ft)52.1—55.8
Cabin Width (ft)5.4—5.6
Cabin Height (ft)4.5—5.1
Cabin Length (ft)16.8—23
Overall Height (ft)15.116.417.4
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)32—90
Rotor Diameter (ft)—54.7—
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)—282—
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)—120—
Aisle Step (ft)——Flat Floor
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)——3.8
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)——17