When booking private jet charter, the natural instinct is to disregard anything other than a high-end, fully equipped light, midsize or even large private jet. The clue is in the name right? - private jet charter. More often than not, clients tend to disregard the competitive (and in some cases) superior turboprop alternatives simply because its source of power has been, in one way or another, around for over a century.
In reality, turboprop aircraft offer competitive edges over their private jet cousins, whilst maintaining a high-end flight experience.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of the most popular turboprop aircraft; Beechcraft King Air 360, Beechcraft Denali and Pilatus PC-12. We'll compare the turboprop aircraft to an industry favourite light jet, the Cessna Citation CJ3.
Beechcraft King Air 360
The Beechcraft King Air 360 is a member of the highly successful King Air family that boast the world's most successful turboprop private business aircraft.
Powered by two twin-turbine high performance turboprop engines, the King Air is capable of offering a maximum range of 3,300 KM (1,800 NM). The King Air 360 boasts superior cabin and cargo capacity allowing for 2,250kg (5000lbs) of useful load.
Suitable for up to 9 passengers, the King Air 360 offers a stunning plush and spacious cabin to rival any light jet. A common misconception regarding turboprop aircraft is the noise they generate inside the cabin. The King Air has been purposefully designed with noise cancelling technology to reduce the noise generated by the twin propellers resulting in and comfortable cabin experience.
What makes any turboprop aircraft a competitive option for charterers is the lower operating cost when compared to their jet rivals. Turboprop engines consume less fuel than jet turbine aircraft which results in lower charter fees whilst maintaining the same cabin and in-flight experience as with traditional private jets.
How does the King Air 360 compare to a Citation CJ3:
KING AIR 360 | CITATION CJ3 | |
Range | 3,300 KM | 3,700 KM |
Cruise Speed | 577 km/h | 770 km/h |
Max Pax. | 9 | 7 |
Cabin Height | 1.4 m | 1.4 m |
Landing Dist. | 821 m | 844 m |
Operating Cost | €6,500 / hour | €8,000 / hour |
Beechcraft Denali
The Denali, one of the most recent additions to the Beechcraft lineup offers a high-performance single engined turboprop. Designed with more range, more efficiency and lower operating costs, the Denali is capable of delivering a versatile range of charter itineraries, including accessing remote destinations which traditional private jets are unable to access.
As with the King Air 360, the Denali offers exceptional cost-per-hour rates which reduces the overall charter cost a charterer pays for the itinerary.
Suitable for up to 9 passengers with a range of around 2,900 km, the Denali is a perfect option for short-haul flights.
DENALI | CITATION CJ3 | |
Range | 2,900 KM | 3,700 KM |
Cruise Speed | 477 km/h | 770 km/h |
Max Pax. | 9 | 7 |
Cabin Height | 1.5 m | 1.4 m |
Takeoff Dist. | 884 m | 969 m |
Operating Cost | €4,500 / hour | €8,000 / hour |
Pilatus PC-12
Branded by Pilatus as "the world's greatest single" the PC-12 offers a cost-effective, comfortable and quality flight experience from takeoff to landing.
Pilatus boast the PC-12 as being a highly efficient and economical aircraft being able to operate on Sustainable Aviation Fuel as a primary source of fuel. The PC-12 is capable of a 3,300 km range, with 4 passengers.
The cabin, inspired by the Pilatus PC-24 light aircraft, offers fully reclining executive seats, greater headroom and bespoke hand-crafted interior cabin customisations. The PC-12 is also able to connect to in-flight WiFi.
The PC-12 offers 9.34 cubic meters of cabin volume, outclassing traditional business jets costing twice the charter price.
Lastly, the PC-12 has been designed to function in very remote locations. Capable of using runways as short as 758 meters and can operate on dirt, gravel and grass surfaces.
PC-12 | CITATION CJ3 | |
Range | 3,300 KM | 3,700 KM |
Cruise Speed | 537 km/h | 770 km/h |
Max Pax. | 6 | 7 |
Cabin Height | 1.5 m | 1.4 m |
Takeoff Dist. | 758 m | 969 m |
Operating Cost | €4,500 / hour | €8,000 / hour |
Conclusion - Are Turboprops Better Than Private Jets?
Turboprops and traditional private jets offer the same high-end charter experience which is above and beyond what a passenger would experience flying commercially. Both options offer exclusivity and privacy in transit but at different charter costs per hour.
Turboprops are much cheaper than their jet-powered cousins, however what they make up for in cost effectiveness, they lack in speed and range; even when compared with light jets.
A turboprop is not a viable option if a passenger is keen on arriving to their destination quickly, or if their destination is greater than 3,500 km away from the departure airport. In which case, a charterer has to opt for a private jet.
For routes which are within the range of a turboprop aircraft, a charterer should strongly consider the option of a turboprop executive airplane. The lower charter costs cannot be overlooked and with the cabins being often larger than their light jet alternatives, and as equally luxurious, there really isn't any valid reason not to opt for a turboprop option.
For some however, image is everything. Arriving by traditional private jet is a more exclusive and luxurious method of flight which a turboprop simply cannot compete with.
In short, LUX JETS highly recommends giving turboprops a try on your next charter flight. You'll of course save money on the flight and we are certain that the flight experience won't be compromised either.
For quotes on private jet charter and turboprop charter, submit a request to the charter team below:
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