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.
| Spec | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | AGUSTA / LEONARDO AW139 | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.15 | $ 11.69 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 17 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Leonardo | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Grand Caravan EX | AW139 | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 964 | 573 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.39 | $ 0.69 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3332 | 4701 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 15 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 614 | $ 1,929 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | EFIS | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 195 | 165 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,695,000 | $15,900,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | — | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | — | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 17 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 15 | 10 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | — | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | — | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 15 | 6 |
| Crew Rest | — | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | — | FWD |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | — | 23500 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-140 | PT6C-67C | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 867 | 1679 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 24 | — | ISA + 23 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 335 | 414 | — |
| Fuel Type | — | JetFuel | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 41.6 | 54.7 | 52.2 |
| 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) | 15.1 | 16.4 | 17.4 |
| 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 |