The Cessna Denali versus the Pilatus PC-12
Earlier this month at aviation show EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Cessna were keen to showcase their in-production aircraft, the Denali.
Best known for its light jets in the private jet charter market, Cessna’s owner Textron is entering the single engine turboprop (SETP) market with the Denali, which can be configured to carry passengers or for special mission or cargo flights – thanks to its extra-wide door.
Looks familiar? That may be because the Denali shares a number of characteristics with the successful Pilatus PC-12 – which is already very popular in the private charter market.
How does the Cessna Denali compare to the Pilatus PC-12?
Cessna promises to ‘rise above the competition in every way’. Here’s a quick look at how it compares to its rival, the Pilatus PC-12 in terms of capacity and size.
| Cessna Denali | Pilatus PC-12 | |
| Number of seats | 8 – 11 | 7 – 8 |
| Cabin length | 5.11m | 5.16m |
| Cabin height | 1.47m | 1.47m |
| Cabin width | 1.6m | 1.52m |
| Range (4 passengers) | 1,600nm | 1,845nm |
| Maximum cruise speed | 285kts | 285kts |
| Take-off distance | 899m | 793m |
| Purchase price | $4.8M | $4.6M |
To find out more about the Pilatus PC-12, watch our exclusive video tour:
When will the Cessna Denali be available for charter?
The Denali will add to Textron’s Cessna and Beechcraft families with a cost-effective and hyper-modern entry point aircraft. With the PC-12 paving the way with customers, Cessna’s strong reputation – and with industry regulations making SETPs more accessible – it has every chance of being a success.
Textron plans a first flight for the Denali in 2019, with initial customer deliveries in 2020. The Denali will then be made available on the charter market.
Our expert Flight Team can advise on the right aircraft to suit your global itinerary – whether single-engine, twin-engine or a tri-jet. Contact us or call (24 hours) +44 1747 642 777.
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