King Air 350 vs Pilatus PC-12? Which Is Better?
Purchasing an aircraft is a sizable investment, especially when opting for full ownership rather than aircraft fractional ownership. Therefore, knowing which aircraft offers the best value for money is essential to maximizing returns. Undoubtedly, the Beechcraft King Air 350 and Pilatus PC-12 are two of the premier aircraft on the market but which is better?
This article will lay out the facts about these two top-of-the-line planes and cover fractional ownership in detail. So, you will have the information to make the right call for you or your business.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The price point is only a part of the story when it comes to determining which plane has the edge in the air. There are a multitude of considerations that must be factored in when assessing the merits of these two exceptional aircraft. For that reason, only when looked at in detail can a true king of the skies be crowned.
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of the most important specs of these best-in-class aircraft:
Cost
A brand-new King Air 350i (now King Air 360) will set you back around $8m.
A brand-new Pilatus PC-12 NGX will cost in the region of $6-7m.
Verdict: The Pilatus PC-12 is the cheaper of the two aircraft, looking at initial cost.
2. Speed & Altitude
The King Air can hit speeds over 350 miles per hour and has a max cruising altitude of 35,000 feet.
The Pilatus can reach a speed of over 320 miles per hour and has a max cruising altitude of 30,000 feet.
Verdict: The King Air has a significant edge in both speed and altitude. Having the ability to climb to a higher altitude is advantageous for clearing weather along your route instead of making deviations off course.
3. Capacity & Payload
The King Air can carry up to 9 (8 + 1 belted lav) passengers and has a max payload capacity of around 2500 pounds.
The Pilatus can fit up to 6-8 passengers (depending on configuration) and has a max payload capacity of around 2200 pounds.
Verdict: The King Air can fit more passengers and hold more luggage.
4. Cabin Size & Engine
The King Air has a larger and more luxurious interior cabin, roughly 25 feet long x 5 feet high x 4.6 feet wide. It comes fitted with 2 Pratt and Whitney PT6-60A engines with one positioned on each wing.
The Pilatus interior cabin is roughly 17 feet long x 5 feet high x 5 feet wide. It has a single Pratt and Whitney PT6-67P engine located on the front of the aircraft.
Verdict: The King Air has a more spacious cabin and an additional engine for increased redundancy, faster cruise speed, and increased payload.
5. Range & Safety
The King Air and Pilatus have a similar max range of 1500 nautical miles depending on capacity, payload, and conditions.
The King Air 350 series and the PC-12 are in the 3 safest prop planes on the market and all have great safety records.
One important factor to consider is the reliability of having two engines. Navigating mountainous and challenging airports is already an added obstacle, but having a second engine as a backup in case of failure can ensure a safe exit from such situations.
Verdict: While both aircraft have a great safety record, the King Air has much more reliability with two engines.
Final Verdict
Both of these planes are at the summit of aircraft engineering, performance, and safety. However, a winner must be declared and while the Pilatus costs slightly less upfront, the King Air is the superior plane in most other categories. From pure speed and power to the reliability of a second engine and payload capacity, thus giving it the edge overall.
Winner: Beechcraft King Air 350.
Which Aircraft Is Better for Fractional Ownership and Full Ownership?
The rapid rise in aircraft fractional ownership in recent years has revolutionized private luxury air travel. That being said, the aircraft specs don’t change whether you decide to go for fractional or full ownership. However, the differences between the two options can tip the scales as to what plane makes the most sense.
King Air 350 Fractional Ownership vs Pilatus PC-12 Fractional Ownership
Let’s take a look at the key points to take into account for King Air fractional ownership and PC-12 fractional ownership:
Initial Capital Investment
The King Air 350's dual engine, extra power, added payload capacity, and larger, more stylish cabin make it the more expensive aircraft. In this regard, fractional ownership is well-suited as it will greatly reduce the initial cost compared to buying the plane outright. This also holds true for Pilatus fractional ownership. However, it makes the King Air 350 even more attractive as the initial investment cost between the two planes is narrowed substantially.
Ongoing Expenses
The dual engines that give the 350 the edge in power and faster travel speeds do have a slight downside when it comes to maintenance. That’s because one engine is cheaper to maintain than two and the same is true for pilot expenses. Pilots of twin prop planes typically require more training and are more expensive than their single-engine counterparts.
Although the King Air 350 is technically a single pilot aircraft, West Coast Aviation Services always has a two pilot crew for added safety. Furthermore, we are proud to have Flight Safety International train and type-rate all of our King Air Captains.
Of course, fractional ownership will also reduce the ongoing expenses for the PC-12. But again, the difference between the two aircraft in ongoing costs is reduced in the 350’s favor.
Final Verdict for Fractional Ownership
Aircraft fractional ownership will reduce the initial investment and annual expenses for both aircraft. However, given that the 350 requires more initial capital to buy and run than the PC-12, it offers more financial benefits from a fractional ownership standpoint.
King Air 350 Full Ownership vs Pilatus PC-12 Full Ownership
Now let’s assess the key points regarding full ownership of these two state-of-the-art aircraft:
Speed vs Fuel-Efficiency
The single-engine design of the Pilatus PC-12 makes it the more fuel-efficient of the two planes and this means that fuel costs will be lower than the King Air. So, if fuel efficiency is a priority, then the PC-12 is the best option. However, if reaching the destination quickly is valued more highly than fuel efficiency then the 350 is the right move.
Cost
The Pilatus PC-12 is the more affordable option for full ownership and that extends to the upfront price tag and the ongoing expenses, such as maintenance and fuel costs. The 350 trumps the PC-12 in terms of space, luxury, and speed but you’ll have to pay for it. For full ownership, these costs are higher than compared to fractional ownership thus making the Pilatus more attractive from a price perspective.
Final Verdict for Full Ownership
When it comes to full ownership, the Pilatus PC-12 makes more sense if the additional initial cost and ongoing expenses are a major factor. Conversely, if these are less important than getting from A to B faster with more passengers and payload, the King Air 350 makes sense.
What Is Fractional Ownership and What Benefits Does It Provide?
Aircraft fractional ownership is a version of aircraft ownership in which the aircraft is owned by more than one party. The price point for purchase is much lower than traditional full ownership and the ownership stake can be purchased to meet your specific flying demands. The dynamic shared model also cuts down on annual expenses, such as maintenance.
The huge financial savings are not the only big draw for individuals and businesses. Fractional ownership also means not having to dedicate time to the long list of responsibilities that come with owning an aircraft. The laborious work is handled by a West Coast Aviation Services that ensures the plane's safety, performance, and luxury are maintained to the highest standards.
So, that’s fractional ownership in a nutshell but it’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits it provides:
Reduced capital investment to purchase the aircraft.
Lower annual costs.
Professional management services that cover all fixed costs including hanger storage, maintenance, insurance, inspections, FAA compliance, pilots, crew training, and more.
Enhanced convenience and flexibility including guaranteed availability, minimal advanced notice, flight arrangements, and the option to opt out at any stage.
Reduced tax liability.
Increased resale possibilities due to lower financial barriers.
Predictable annual expenses.
Fractional Ownership and the King Air 350 Are a Perfect Match
The Beechcraft King Air 350 and Pilatus PC-12 are two of the most sublime aircraft in their class. Nevertheless, the advantages the 350 has over the PC-12 give it a slight edge overall but they are also responsible for its heftier price tag. However, it’s precisely the additional capital investment that makes the 350 the ideal candidate for fractional ownership.
Aircraft fractional ownership provides a more affordable avenue to own and maintain such an elite and comparatively expensive aircraft, maximizing the value-for-money ratio. West Coast Aviation Services represents the ultimate in professional and expert services in this arena with over 37 years of experience. Contact us today to speak to our experienced team and start reaping the benefits without the hassle.