Grand Caravan 208

Cessna 208 Grand Caravan – Turboprop Charter for Regional and Remote Destinations

The Cessna 208 Grand Caravan is a single-engine turboprop aircraft designed for versatility, dependability, and access to remote destinations. Known for its rugged airframe and short-field performance, the Grand Caravan is equally suited for passenger charter, cargo transport, or combined operations. As a short-haul regional aircraft, it offers efficient, comfortable, and flexible private travel to destinations where most business jets cannot operate.

Aircraft Overview

First flown in 1982 and still in production today under Textron Aviation, the Cessna 208 series has proven itself as one of the most capable and enduring aircraft families in the world. The extended-length 208B Grand Caravan model was introduced to provide additional cabin space, greater payload, and improved range. Over 3,000 units have been produced globally, serving in commercial, cargo, government, humanitarian, and private roles across more than 100 countries.

Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engine, the Grand Caravan combines simplicity with power. It can operate from unpaved or short runways as short as 2,000 feet and offers the endurance to cover over 1,000 nautical miles without refueling. This makes it ideal for regional travel between smaller communities, remote resorts, or island airstrips inaccessible to larger aircraft.

Cessna 208 Grand Caravan Specifications

Cabin and Comfort

The Grand Caravan’s cabin is spacious and functional, designed for comfort and practicality on short to midrange flights. With its high-wing design, large windows, and easy-access airstair door, the aircraft offers excellent visibility and a smooth boarding experience. The standard configuration seats nine passengers, while optional layouts allow for VIP, commuter, or cargo-passenger combinations.

• Standard seating for up to 9 passengers
• Flexible seating arrangements for passengers and cargo
• Optional VIP configurations for executive charters
• Wide entry doors and rear cargo access
• Ample baggage storage including an optional under-belly cargo pod

The cabin measures approximately 15 feet 10 inches in length, 5 feet 4 inches in width, and 4 feet 6 inches in height, providing an open interior suited to regional charters. Many JetOptions partner aircraft include upgraded interiors with leather seating, climate control, and sound-reduction insulation for quieter flight environments.

Performance and Efficiency

The Grand Caravan is renowned for its performance and reliability under challenging conditions. Its single PT6A turboprop engine provides dependable power output and fuel efficiency, while the fixed tricycle landing gear and sturdy wing structure enable operation on grass, gravel, or dirt runways. The aircraft’s efficient design allows cruise speeds of around 185 knots with a typical fuel burn of approximately 60 gallons per hour—significantly lower than comparable twin-engine aircraft.

Because of its excellent short-field capabilities, the Grand Caravan can reach smaller airports closer to your final destination, reducing overall travel time and eliminating the need for ground transfers from major hubs. It is frequently used for regional connections, inter-island flights, resort access, and specialized operations where reliability and low operating costs are key.

Variants and Special Configurations

Several versions of the Cessna 208 exist, including the base Caravan 208, the stretched 208B Grand Caravan, and the upgraded Grand Caravan EX. The EX features the higher-powered PT6A-140 engine and improved climb performance, increasing capability in high-altitude or hot-temperature conditions. Additional modifications include amphibious float models, skydiving configurations, and medical evacuation variants.

The flexibility of the 208 platform allows operators to adapt it for diverse missions, including passenger transport, cargo delivery, aerial surveying, humanitarian aid, and tourism flights. Its proven airframe and global service network make it a reliable choice for both commercial and private use.

Comparable Turboprop Aircraft

Popular Charter Routes

The Grand Caravan is ideal for short regional legs and remote destinations, including:

• Miami (OPF) to Key West (EYW) – 50 minutes
• San Juan (SJU) to St. Barts (SBH) – 45 minutes
• Seattle (BFI) to Friday Harbor (FHR) – 40 minutes
• Los Angeles (VNY) to Santa Catalina Island (AVX) – 35 minutes
• Dallas (DAL) to Fredericksburg (T82) – 40 minutes

Its short takeoff distance and durable landing gear make it ideal for island resorts, mountain towns, and backcountry airfields—destinations that would challenge or prohibit larger jet operations.

Why Charter the Cessna 208 Grand Caravan with JetOptions

When you charter the Cessna 208 Grand Caravan through JetOptions Private Jets, you gain access to a proven and capable aircraft that delivers flexibility and value. Whether for regional business flights, group transfers, or operations to locations off the beaten path, the Caravan offers dependable service and efficient performance. Each JetOptions flight is arranged with experienced crews and ARGUS-rated operators, ensuring your comfort and safety from takeoff to landing.

The Grand Caravan provides a distinct advantage when the destination, terrain, or airfield requires something more adaptable than a jet, making it an excellent addition to our charter offerings.