Pilatus PC-12 vs King Air: Which TurboProp is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing the right turboprop, the decision isn’t always straightforward. Two of the most respected names in the market—the Pilatus PC-12 and the Beechcraft King Air series—dominate the conversation. Both offer outstanding performance, reliability, and efficiency, but which one is the better fit for your needs?
At TurbineProps, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of aircraft ownership, ensuring they find the best solution for their mission. Whether you're considering your first turboprop or upgrading your fleet, understanding the key differences in performance, cost, and long-term value is essential.
In this guide, we'll break down the critical factors—acquisition costs, operational efficiency, range, and resale value—so you can make an informed decision in today’s evolving turboprop market.
Let’s dive in.
A Brief Overview:
Before diving into a direct comparison, it’s important to establish what we’re evaluating. The King Air series, originally built by Beechcraft starting in the 1960s, has a long history of design improvements. Since Textron acquired Beechcraft in 2014, the aircraft has continued to evolve through various iterations, with incremental changes between consecutive model years and more noticeable differences across longer production gaps.
For simplicity, the King Air lineup can be grouped into three primary categories:
C90 Series – The entry-level King Air models, known for efficiency and lower operating costs.
200/250 Series – A step up in performance, offering greater speed, range, and payload capacity.
300/350 Series – The largest and most capable King Air variants, designed for high payload and long-range missions.
Similarly, the Pilatus PC-12, which has been in production since the mid-1990s, has evolved through three major versions:
PC-12/45 (Legacy) – The original production model.
PC-12 NG (Next Generation) – Improved avionics, increased performance, and upgraded systems.
PC-12 NGX – The latest model, featuring an upgraded PT6 engine, an advanced cockpit, and refined cabin enhancements.
This article provides a broad comparison of these aircraft, focusing on performance, acquisition, and resale value. While individual model years may have variations, our goal is to highlight the overall strengths and differences between the King Air and Pilatus PC-12 lineups to help you determine the best fit for your needs.
Performance & Operational Comparison:
When choosing between the Pilatus PC-12 and the King Air series, performance is a crucial factor. While both aircraft are top contenders in the turboprop market, their speed, range, payload capacity, and operational flexibility vary significantly. Let's break down how they compare in key areas.
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If raw speed is a priority, the King Air 350 holds the advantage. With a maximum cruise speed of 312 knots, it outpaces the King Air 200/250 models (270–290 knots) and even the smaller King Air C90GTx (272 knots).
On the other hand, the Pilatus PC-12 NGX reaches a top speed of 290 knots—highly competitive for a single-engineturboprop. While it’s slightly slower than the King Air 350, the PC-12’s fuel efficiency and lower operating costs offset this difference. With only one engine to maintain instead of two, owners benefit from significant savings in fuel and maintenance over time.
When it comes to range, the PC-12 NGX shines. Thanks to its efficient Pratt & Whitney PT6 engine, it boasts an impressive 1,803-nautical-mile range—surpassing most King Air models:
Pilatus PC-12 NGX: 1,803 nm
King Air C90GTx: 1,260 nm
King Air 200: 1,580 nm
King Air 350: 1,806 nm
For longer non-stop flights, the PC-12 NGX and King Air 350 are closely matched, while smaller King Air models fall short. However, the PC-12’s single-engine efficiency means lower fuel burn over long distances, making it the more cost-effective option for extended-range operations.
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The King Air 350 leads in payload capacity, with a 2,800-lb useful load and seating for 8–9 passengers (or up to 11 in a high-density layout). The King Air 200 follows with a 1,650-lb payload, making it a strong choice for those who need ample seating without the extra weight capacity of the 350.
The Pilatus PC-12 NGX, despite being a single-engine turboprop, remains highly competitive in cabin size. It closely matches the King Air 200 and 350 models in terms of passenger comfort, but due to weight limitations, its payload capacity is slightly lower at 1,010 lbs. While this makes it less ideal for heavy-load missions, it remains a practical and efficient choice for most private and corporate aviation needs.
The King Air C90GTx, the smallest in the lineup, has the most restrictions in payload and seating, accommodating 4–5 passengers with a 755-lb payload.
Payload & Seating Overview:
Pilatus PC-12 NGX: 1,010-lb payload, 8–9 passengers
King Air C90GTx: 755-lb payload, 4–5 passengers
King Air 200: 1,650-lb payload, 8–9 passengers
King Air 350: 2,800-lb payload, 8–9 passengers (up to 11 in high-density seating)
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One major advantage of the Pilatus PC-12 is its large cargo door and flat-floor cabin, making it particularly well-suited for cargo transport, air ambulance operations, and mixed-use missions. The wider access and flat floor simplify loading and unloading, especially for oversized or oddly shaped cargo.
In contrast, the King Air series is primarily designed for passenger transport, with smaller cargo doors that make baggage handling slightly less convenient compared to the PC-12. While the King Air 350 offers the highest payload capacity, it lacks the flexible cargo-loading options of the PC-12.
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King Air C90
Takeoff Distance: ~2,500 ft (50 ft obstacle)
Landing Distance: ~2,300 ft (50 ft obstacle)
Climb Rate: ~1,800 fpm
King Air 200
Takeoff Distance: ~2,600 ft (50 ft obstacle)
Landing Distance: ~2,420 ft (50 ft obstacle)
Climb Rate: ~2,450 fpm
King Air 350
Takeoff Distance: ~3,300 ft (50 ft obstacle)
Landing Distance: ~2,600 ft (50 ft obstacle)
Climb Rate: ~2,700 fpm
Pilatus PC-12
Takeoff Distance: ~2,485 ft (50 ft obstacle)
Landing Distance: ~2,170 ft (50 ft obstacle)
Climb Rate: ~1,680 fpm
Pilatus PC-12 vs King Air Range Estimator
Cost of Ownership: Pilatus PC-12 vs. King Air Series
When evaluating total cost of ownership, three key factors come into play:
Acquisition Cost – The upfront price of purchasing the aircraft
Insurance and Crew Costs – Coverage expenses based on aircraft value, safety record, and experience requirements
Operational Costs – Ongoing expenses, including fuel, maintenance, and engine overhauls
Operational Costs:
Simply put, one engine is cheaper than two—which is why the Pilatus PC-12 has a significant advantage in operating costs over the twin-engine King Air series. Fewer moving parts mean lower maintenance costs, better fuel economy, and one less engine to overhaul.
The PC-12 NGX burns 55-65 gallons per hour (GPH), compared to:
King Air C90GTx: 90 GPH
King Air 200: 100-110 GPH
King Air 350: 120-130 GPH
With only one engine to overhaul (instead of two), major maintenance costs are significantly lower for the PC-12.
King Air on takeoff roll
Annual Operating Cost Comparison
Acquisition Costs: Comparing Market Prices
Acquisition costs vary widely depending on factors such as airframe hours, maintenance history, avionics upgrades, cabin condition, and paint quality. The King Air series, with its long production history, has a broad price range, especially for older models like the C90 and early 200 variants, which are often more affordable than a newer PC-12 or King Air 350.
Here’s a general price range for pre-owned aircraft in today’s market:
| Aircraft | Reference Year Range | Market Price Range (USD) | Fuel Burn (GPH) | Engine Overhaul Cost (per engine) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilatus PC-12 (Legacy) | 1995-2008 | $1.5M – $5M | 55-65 | ~$500,000 (Single Engine) |
| Pilatus PC-12 (NG) | 2008-2019 | $5M – $6.5M | 55-65 | ~$500,000 (Single Engine) |
| Pilatus PC-12 NGX | 2020+ | $6.7M – $8M | 55-65 | ~$500,000 (Single Engine) |
| King Air C90 Series | 1971-2021 | $900K – $3M | 75-90 | ~$350,000 – $450,000 (Per Engine) |
| King Air 200 | 1974-2009 | $1.5M – $4.5M | 95-110 | ~$550,000 (Per Engine) |
| King Air 250 | 2011-2023 | $4M – $6M | 95-110 | ~$550,000 (Per Engine) |
| King Air 350 | 1990-2009 | $2M – $4.5M | 110-130 | ~$650,000 (Per Engine) |
| King Air 350i | 2009 - 2020 | $3.5M – $8.5M | 100-120 | ~$650,000 (Per Engine) |
| King Air 360 | 2020 - Present | $8.5M – $11M | 100-120 | ~$650,000 - $700,000 (Per Engine) |
If you’re weighing these options, expert guidance can make all the difference. At TurbineProps, we specialize in aircraft acquisition and management, providing insights tailored to your mission, budget, and long-term strategy. Contact us today to explore which aircraft best suits your needs.
Insurance & Crew Costs: What to Expect
Estimated Annual Insurance Costs
| Aircraft Model | Estimated Annual Premium (USD) |
|---|---|
| Pilatus PC-12 | $18,000 – $35,000 |
| King Air C90 | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| King Air 200 | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| King Air 350/350i | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| King Air 360 | $50,000 – $80,000 |
Insurance Overview:
Insurance costs vary based on hull value, pilot experience, and operational use. The Pilatus PC-12 generally has lower insurance premiums due to its strong safety record, single-engine design, and lower hull value. In contrast, the King Air 350 carries the highest insurance costs due to its higher hull value, twin-engine complexity, and maximum takeoff weight exceeding 12,500 lbs, which requires a Type Rating and a more experienced crew.
Older King Air C90 and 200 series models do not require a Type Rating but still have higher twin-engine insurance requirements, often demanding captains with substantial multi-engine turbine experience. While these models may have a lower purchase price, their insurance costs remain higher than the PC-12.
2025 Pilot Salary & Contract Rates
| Aircraft Model | Estimated Annual Salary (Single Pilot PIC) | Contract Day Rate (Single Pilot PIC) |
|---|---|---|
| Pilatus PC-12 | $120,000 – $160,000 | $900 – $1,500 |
| King Air C90 | $130,000 – $170,000 | $1,000 – $1,700 |
| King Air 200 | $140,000 – $180,000 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| King Air 350/350i | $160,000 – $200,000 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| King Air 360 | $170,000 – $220,000 | $1,800 – $2,800 |
Crew Costs & Pilot Salaries
The King Air 350/360 requires a Type Rating, increasing both training and salary costs. Pilots with Type Ratings command higher salaries, making both full-time employment and contract pilot rates more expensive. Meanwhile, the PC-12 benefits from lower crew costs since it does not require a Type Rating and has lower experience minimums. The King Air 200 and C90, while they do not require a type rating, do however, command higher experience requirements for insurance— being a multiengine complex aircraft.
For owners seeking to minimize operational costs, the PC-12 offers a clear advantage in both insurance and crew expenses while maintaining strong performance and range. Its lower insurance premiums and pilot salary requirements make it one of the most cost-effective choices in the turboprop market.
Resale Value and Market Demand
The depreciation trends of the King Air series and Pilatus PC-12 highlight key differences in their market retention and value over time. Historically, twin-engine turboprops like the King Air 350 and 250 have shown stronger resale performance compared to smaller models like the C90 and 200, which tend to depreciate faster due to higher operating costs and aging airframes. Based on industry sources like Controller, AvBuyer, and Aircraft Bluebook, the average 5-year depreciation rate for a King Air 350 is around 10-20%, while older models like the King Air C90 can lose 25-35% of their value over the same period.
In contrast, the Pilatus PC-12 series, particularly the newer NGX model, retains value exceptionally well due to high demand in corporate, charter, and medevac markets. The PC-12 NGX has a 5-year depreciation rate of only 10-20%, similar to the King Air 350 but outperforming smaller King Air models. The single-engine design, lower fuel burn, and reduced maintenance costs make the PC-12 an attractive option for buyers focused on long-term operating efficiency.
From a market valuation perspective, a 5-year-old Pilatus PC-12 NGX typically sells for $5.5M to $6.5M, holding 80-90% of its original value, whereas a similar-age King Air 350i trades between $4.5M and $7M, with retention closer to 70-80%. Older King Air models, such as the C90 and 200, often trade below 60% of their original price after 5 years. This suggests that while King Airs maintain strong demand, their twin-engine complexity leads to faster depreciation than the PC-12 in many operational settings.
Bottom Line: King Air or Pilatus PC12?
When evaluating the Pilatus PC-12 and King Air series, the decision ultimately hinges on operational needs, mission profile, and budget considerations. For most owners and operators, the PC-12 presents the most economical choice, especially when factoring in fuel efficiency, insurance savings, and reduced maintenance costs associated with a single-engine turbine. While a newer PC-12 may come with a higher acquisition cost, their long-term operational savings often outweigh the initial investment, making them a financially sound choice for those prioritizing efficiency.
On the other hand, the King Air series boasts a long production history, extensive market availability, and a well-established global support network. These aircraft offer twin-engine redundancy, larger payload capacity, and greater mission flexibility, making them an attractive option for corporate fleets, charter operators, and those flying over water or rugged terrain. Market conditions for used King Airs can often be more favorable for acquisition, with a broad range of models available at varying price points.
Ultimately, both aircraft represent excellent investments, each excelling in different aspects of ownership and operation. The PC-12 dominates in cost-efficiency and versatility, while the King Air remains a proven, reliable workhorse with unmatched legacy support. The right choice depends on your mission requirements, operational preferences, and long-term ownership strategy.
At TurbineProps, we specialize in aircraft acquisition, sales, and management, helping clients navigate market conditions and make data-driven decisions. Whether you're considering a PC-12 or a King Air, our expertise ensures you secure the right aircraft for your needs. Contact us today to discuss your mission profile and explore the best options available.