Fleet file

Cessna Caravan 208B

The Grand Caravan EX is slower than the PC-12 but brutally useful: simple, payload-friendly and suited to mixed passenger/freight work. It is a strong second utility aircraft where speed is less important than lift and ruggedness.

Manufacturer
Textron Aviation
Primary role
Cargo
Economics
Indicative AUD only
Why it fits

A practical hauler for regional freight, parachute/event tenants, utility charter and lower-speed cargo missions into simple strips.

Specifications

Seats / payload10-14 occupants; useful load approx. 3,532 lb
Range912 nm published maximum range
Cruise speed185 KTAS
Runway required2,160 ft published takeoff distance
Engines1 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140

Indicative economics

acquisition NewIndicative AUD $4M-$5M planning band
acquisition UsedIndicative AUD $2M-$4M depending year and time
hourly Operating CostIndicative AUD $1.3k-$2.2k/hr planning band
notesBest evaluated per mission because slower block time can offset lower hourly cost.

Suitability

CargoUtility charterTraining supportShort strips

Sources