7 Top Turboprop Jets in 2023
Posted on March 15th, 2023
Would you like to charter a private jet and avoid the hassles of commercial airlines? Are you looking for an economical option that gives the full benefits of private jets? You are at the right place if you answered yes to both questions!
A turboprop engine uses a turboprop engine, unlike typical aircraft or jets, which use a piston-powered engine or a jet engine. All the power in the engine is used to drive the propeller, thus giving them increased efficiency. This makes them an excellent choice for private jet charter at affordable rates, specifically for regional or short-haul trips. However, turboprops are slower than standard jets and have shorter ranges.
What are the key advantages of Turboprop jets?
Here are some of the many advantages of turboprops compared to other jets.
- Fuel Efficiency: A turboprop engine will power the same size cabin over the same distance for less fuel than a jet and at a lower speed.
- Comes with ample cabin space and baggage storage.
- More affordable than other jets
- Runway Requirements: A turboprop requires shorter runways to take off and land. This makes them ideal for uneven terrain and locations where operating big aircraft is challenging.
How Fast Does A Turboprop Plane Fly? What Is Its Highest Cruising Altitude?
According to the FAA, Turboprop engines have the most efficiency with cruise speeds between 250 & 400 mph at cruise altitudes between 18,000 and 30,000 feet. The minimum specific fuel consumption of a turboprop engine usually is at altitude ranges of 25,000 feet. These jets require slower speeds for takeoff and landing but perform well during those times.
How much does a chartered turboprop flight cost?
Turboprop hourly charter rates start at around $2,400.
With that, let’s take a look at the top Turboprop Jets in 2023.
- Grand Caravan 208
- King Air 200
- King Air 350
- King Air 90
- Piaggio Avanti P180
- Pilatus PC-12
- Beechcraft 1900D
Grand Caravan 208
The Cessna 208 Grand Caravan is a single-engined turboprop, fixed-tricycle landing gear, short-haul regional airliner. It took its first successful flight in December 1982 and received FAA certification by the following year. The turboprop jet is particularly known for its ability to land and take off in rugged terrains. Specific models, such as Caravan Amphibian, come with landing gear & amphibian floats to facilitate water landing.
- Top cruise speed: 186 knots
- Range: 1,070 nautical miles
- Passengers: 9-12
- Baggage capacity: 325 lb, or 31.5 cubic ft
- Cruise height: 25,000
- Facilities: Full Lavatory Style
A single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114A turboprop engine powers this Cessna jet. The rugged & robust capabilities of the Cessna 208 Grand Caravan makes it a popular choice for military, rescue, and surveillance operations. The jet is ideal both as a passenger aircraft & cargo plane.
King Air 200
The King Air 200 is a T-tail twin-engine turboprop aircraft by the aircraft manufacturer Raytheon Beechcraft. One of the best in its segment, more than 1700 King Air 200s have been ordered & sold worldwide.
The cockpit can comfortably seat two pilots, and a jump seat is next to the pilot. Known as a “pilot’s plane,” King Air 200 comes with excellent pilot-friendly navigation and mechanics. The 200 model was marketed initially by Beechcraft Super King Airs, although this was dropped in 1996.
- Top cruise speed: 289 mph
- Range: 1,885 nautical miles
- Passengers: 8
- Cruise height: 35000 feet
- Facilities: Potty Lavatory Style, noise-reduced cabin
The agile features, build, and functionality of King Air 200 makes it an excellent choice for military operations & surveillance. In fact, this turboprop jet is used by US Defense, Botswana Defense Force Air Wing, Algerian Air Force, Chilean Air Force, etc. The jet is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-41 turboprop engines, and its cabin has noise-reduction, which gives superior comfort to passengers compared to conventional turboprop jets.
King Air 350
Built by Beechcraft Corporation, the King Air 350 is a twin-engined turboprop utility aircraft offering one of the best-in-class luxuries, especially in the turboprops category. This is also an ideal corporate jet with double club seating, stowable worktables, and built-in refreshment centres, making your business trips truly smooth & hassle-free.
- Top cruise speed: 305 knots
- Range: 1,440 nautical miles
- Passengers: 6-10
- Baggage capacity: 56 cu ft, 5-6 bags
- Cruise height: 30,000 feet
- Facilities: Private Lavatory, Ample seating space & luggage storage
With ample seating space, the jet is equipped with in-flight accessible baggage areas and a luxurious interior. The jet is ideal both as a passenger & cargo plane. In fact, they can carry a large load out of short runways. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-60A engines, the King Air 350 is single-pilot certified, but it can seat two pilots in the cockpit.
King Air 90
Beechcraft Corporation’s King Air 90 is not only the smallest in the series but also one of the most popular jets in the competing categories with other jets. First certified in 1959, it remains a top choice among passengers even after five decades. The jet is best known for its comfortable cabin, pilot-friendly avionics, and overall functionalities.
- Top cruise speed: 248 knots
- Range: 1543 nautical miles
- Passengers: 6
- Baggage capacity: 48 cubic feet
- Cruise height: 30000 ft
- Facilities: Lavatory, comfortable cabins
The jet is a twin-turboprop powered by two Pratt and Whitney turboprop PT6A-135 engines. As the name suggests, the interior of the King Air 90 is splendid and provides a very comfortable trip for passengers. The jet has remained a top contender in its segment and is even used by military forces of various countries.
Piaggio Avanti P180
The Piaggio Avanti P180 is a twin-turboprop jet manufactured by the Italian aircraft manufacturer Piaggio Aero. The jet took its first flight in September 1986 and received Italian and American certifications in 1990. The jet was part of the new wave of private jets created especially for business owners and executives of Fortune 500 companies.
The finest Italian craftsmanship is apparent in the build, functionalities, and facilities of the Piaggio Avanti P180. It features a highly comfortable, generously spacious, and quiet cabin that offers a superior travel experience to passengers. Regarded as the fastest jet in the category, Piaggio Avanti P180 outperforms many of its turboprop contemporaries and even some mid-size jets.
- Top cruise speed: 402 knots
- Range: 1490 nautical miles
- Passengers: 6
- Baggage capacity: 44.15 cubic feet
- Cruise height: 41,000 feet
- Facilities: Lavatory, Wardrobe
The Piaggio Avanti P180 has also been a popular sports aircraft over the years and is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66 engines. It also has advanced avionics & functionalities in the cockpit, making it pilot-first.
Pilatus PC-12
The Pilatus PC-12 is a single-engine turbine-powered aircraft Manufactured by the Swiss company Pilatus. The jet boasts advanced avionics, improved noise reduction, speed & range enhancements, and more. Regarded as one of the finest & most reliable aircraft in the category, Pilatus PC-12 is perfect for business & vacation trips and has been coined “Swiss army knife of the sky” by Flight International Magazine in June 2016.
The jet’s cabin can be customized to suit the needs of the passengers and come with cabinets, tables, hand-stitched European leather seats, and ample luggage storage accessible in-flight. It can also have the latest Wi-Fi, entertainment, and connectivity technologies.
- Top cruise speed: 328 knots
- Range: 1,340 nautical miles
- Passengers: 9
- Baggage capacity: 40 cubic feet
- Cruise height: 30,000 ft
- Facilities: Enclosed Lavatory, cabinets, tables
Moreover, the jet keeps sustainability at heart, with 74% lesser emissions, sustainable aviation fuel, and energy from zero-emission sources.
Beechcraft 1900D
Beechcraft 1900D is a twin-engine turboprop jet manufactured by Beechcraft. It is used as both passenger aircraft and cargo planes. In addition to being a favorite jet when it comes to corporate travel, it is also used by the military & governments of countries all over the globe.
- Top cruise speed: 280 knots
- Range: 1356 nautical miles
- Passengers: 19
- Baggage capacity: 55 cubic feet
- Cruise height: 25,000 feet
- Facilities: stand-up cabin, reclining seats, enclosed lavatory
Beechcraft 1900D received its FAA certification in 1983 and entered service the following year. It can be flown by two pilots, have state-of-the-art cockpit facilities, and is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67D turboprop engines. The aircraft cabin can be configured based on the needs.
With that, we wrap up the list of the top turboprop jets in 2023. If you are considering a private jet charter, look no further!
With JetOptions, browse through a diverse fleet of jets, fly in the best-in-class aircraft, and leave any & all stress at bay. Why is that? Let’s see!
- ARGUS and Wyvern registered company.
- Book any aircraft, anytime, anywhere, often in 2-3 hours or less.
- Fly without worries on aircraft rated above FAA standards for safety and operation through ARGUS and Wyvern and carry $50,000,000 to $250,000,000 in insurance.
- Avail 24/7 Complimentary Concierge services such as Medical Staff Escorts, Security, Ground Transportation, Hotels, and more.
- Access an Aviation Account Executive 24/7.
- Get optimum rates in the market without sacrificing safety
- Premium aircraft condition is guaranteed.
- Fly in authentic one-way charters, and one-way rates are guaranteed. (Restricted to specific routes)
- Get a complimentary upgrade when available.
Get in touch with us so that you can plan your next business trip or vacation. Let us do all the work for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a turboprop engine?
A turboprop engine employs a gas turbine to drive a propeller. It differs from typical aircraft or jets, which use a piston-powered or jet engine.
What are the advantages of Turboprop jets?
Turboprop jets are more fuel-efficient, have ample cabin space and baggage storage, are more affordable than others, and require shorter runways to take off and land.
How fast does a turboprop plane fly? What is its highest cruising altitude?
According to the FAA, turboprop engines are most efficient, with cruise speeds between 250 and 400 mph at cruise altitudes between 18,000 and 30,000 feet.
How much does a chartered turboprop flight cost?
Turboprop hourly charter rates start at around $2,400.
What are the top Turboprop Jets in 2023?
The top Turboprop Jets in 2023 are Grand Caravan 208, King Air 200, King Air 350, King Air 90, Piaggio Avanti P180, Pilatus PC-12, and Beechcraft 1900D.
