Cessna Grand Caravan Ex vs Pilatus Pc 24
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is best categorized as a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft optimized for short, rugged missions, including regional transport and cargo in and out of smaller airfields. The Pilatus PC‑24 is a twin‑engine light business jet designed for faster point‑to‑point travel with a more premium cabin experience while still retaining notable short‑field capability for a jet. In range, the Grand Caravan EX typically serves shorter regional sectors, with practical range commonly around the 900–1,200 nautical mile class depending on payload, winds, and reserves. The PC‑24 generally offers a longer cross‑country reach, commonly in the roughly 1,800–2,000 nautical mile class, enabling more nonstop city‑pair options and higher cruise speeds. For passenger capacity, the Grand Caravan EX is usually configured for about 9 passengers in commuter roles (with flexible seating or cargo layouts), whereas the PC‑24 is commonly arranged for about 6–10 passengers in executive seating, sometimes more depending on configuration, but with a greater emphasis on comfort and amenities.
| Spec | Cessna Grand Caravan EX | Pilatus PC-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.15 | $ 3.71 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | — |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Pilatus |
| Aircraft Name | Grand Caravan EX | PC-24 |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 964 | 2076 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.39 | $ 0.62 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3332 | 6680 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 614 | $ 1,619 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Pilatus ACE (Primus Apex) |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 195 | 440 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,695,000 | $11,800,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | 1 Enclosed Flushing |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 6 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 12 | 10 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | 9.3 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | Optional Refreshment Center |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 6 |
| Crew Rest | — | No |
| Jump Seat | — | No |
| Galley Location | — | FWD |
| Lavatory Location | — | FWD |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 23500 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-140 | FJ44-4A-QPM |
| TBO (hrs) | 4000 | 5000 |
| Horsepower | 867 | — |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 24 | ISA + 23 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 335 | — |
| Thrust (lbs) | — | 3435 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 41.6 | 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 | 17.4 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | 90 |
| Aisle Step (ft) | — | Flat Floor |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | 3.8 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | — | 17 |