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Cessna CE-208 Caravan Turbo Prop Specifications and Charter Rates

The Cessna CE-208 Caravan is a single-engine turboprop engineered for short- and medium-haul flights, offering seating for up to 14 passengers and a cruise speed of 186 knots over an approximate range of 1,000 nautical miles. Introduced in the mid-1980s, the Caravan quickly established itself as the workhorse of regional aviation, prized for its rugged construction, low operating costs, and the ability to access runways that are out of reach for many other aircraft in its class.


For clients seeking reliable and flexible air transportation to smaller airports, remote destinations, or unique adventure getaways, the Caravan delivers a seamless blend of comfort, adaptability, and value. This page provides a detailed look at the aircraft’s specs, cabin features, performance profile, indicative charter rates, and essential insights for travelers considering their next private journey.

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Cessna CE-208 Caravan Overview

The Cessna CE-208 Caravan stands as a benchmark in the turboprop category, renowned for its robust versatility and operational simplicity. With flexible seating for up to 14 passengers and a generous cargo hold, it excels in transporting people, goods, or both with equal ease. Powered by a reliable Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine, the Caravan achieves a ceiling of 25,000 feet, comfortably cruising above weather and delivering smooth, stable flights even on challenging routes.


What sets the Caravan apart is its ability to operate from short, unimproved airstrips, making it a favorite for regional charters, island hops, and expeditions where other aircraft cannot go. Its straightforward avionics, low fuel burn, and easy maintenance help keep charter costs exceptionally competitive, without sacrificing comfort or safety.


Operators appreciate the Caravan’s proven dependability and adaptability for a wide variety of missions. For private flyers, this translates to the freedom to reach untouched destinations, maximize trip flexibility, and enjoy a cabin tailored for both business efficiency and leisure adventure.

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Cessna CE-208 Caravan Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Turbo Prop

Passenger capacity:

Up to 9 (typical), 14 maximum

Crew:

1-2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 1240 nautical miles (around 1426 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

186 knots (about 213 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 165 knots

Service ceiling:

25000 fee

Engines:

One Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A turboprop

Thrust:

Roughly 675 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 2160 feet

Landing distance:

About 1871 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 85 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 32 cubic feet

First delivered:

Mid-1980s

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Cessna CE-208 Caravan Range and Performance

With a range of just over 1,200 nautical miles, the Cessna CE-208 Caravan is built for regional journeys and remote access. It effortlessly connects city pairs such as Los Angeles to Aspen, Miami to Nassau, or Sydney to Hamilton Island on a single tank, making it a popular choice for both business shuttles and leisure escapes. | While not intended for cross-continental flights, the Caravan’s 186-knot high-speed cruise ensures efficient travel times, and its ability to operate from runways as short as 2,160 feet means even the most secluded destinations are within easy reach. The reliable PT6A engine provides the power needed to handle varying field conditions and weather, supporting safe, confident operations whether you’re flying in or out of major terminals or private strips. | For travelers, the result is a level of access, flexibility, and reliability that opens up an entire world of travel possibilities beyond the reach of conventional jets.

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Cessna CE-208 Caravan Cabin Experience and Interior

The CE-208 Caravan’s spacious cabin is designed with the passenger experience in mind, offering ample headroom, large windows, and flexible seating configurations. The standard layout seats nine in roomy, executive-style seats, with variants that can accommodate up to 14, or be reconfigured for greater cargo capacity. | The cabin’s straightforward yet comfortable design allows for easy movement and plenty of natural light, making it ideal for sightseeing flights or relaxed travel. With options for in-flight refreshments, fold-out tables, and a private aft lavatory in select models, the Caravan’s interior is surprisingly refined for its class. | The baggage compartment can hold 32 cubic feet of luggage, perfect for golf clubs, outdoor gear, or several days’ worth of essentials. Whether you’re flying for business or adventure, the Caravan transforms travel time into an enjoyable, integral part of your journey.

Cessna CE-208 Caravan Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Cessna CE-208 Caravan typically runs in the range of $1200 to $1800 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Cessna CE-208 Caravan down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Cessna CE-208 Caravan?

The Cessna CE-208 Caravan fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

The Caravan is ideal for regional trips, adventure travel, or shuttling groups between cities and remote destinations. It is less suitable for long-range or high-speed journeys where a jet may be required, but for flexible, short-haul charters with unmatched access, it is the ultimate utility aircraft.

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How the Cessna CE-208 Caravan Compares to Other Turbo Prop

The Cessna CE-208 Caravan launched in 1984, quickly redefining the light utility turboprop market with its rugged performance and multi-role capability. Designed to meet the needs of operators requiring reliability in challenging environments, it soon became a staple for regional airlines, cargo carriers, and private owners alike.


Among its most notable achievements is its global reach—Caravans operate in over 100 countries, conquering everything from African bush strips to Alaskan wilderness and Caribbean islands. Its legendary Pratt & Whitney engine, high-wing design, and adaptable cabin made it the platform of choice for humanitarian missions, skydiving, and adventure tourism, as well as corporate and VIP charters.


Over the decades, the Caravan has seen continual upgrades in avionics, comfort, and safety while retaining its core strengths. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its unmatched versatility and the confidence it inspires in both pilots and passengers.

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Cessna CE-208 Caravan History and Background

The Cessna CE-208 Caravan launched in 1984, quickly redefining the light utility turboprop market with its rugged performance and multi-role capability. Designed to meet the needs of operators requiring reliability in challenging environments, it soon became a staple for regional airlines, cargo carriers, and private owners alike.


Among its most notable achievements is its global reach—Caravans operate in over 100 countries, conquering everything from African bush strips to Alaskan wilderness and Caribbean islands. Its legendary Pratt & Whitney engine, high-wing design, and adaptable cabin made it the platform of choice for humanitarian missions, skydiving, and adventure tourism, as well as corporate and VIP charters.


Over the decades, the Caravan has seen continual upgrades in avionics, comfort, and safety while retaining its core strengths. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its unmatched versatility and the confidence it inspires in both pilots and passengers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Cessna CE-208 Caravan Carry?

The Cessna CE-208 Caravan typically seats nine passengers in executive configuration, with high-density layouts allowing up to 14. The flexible cabin can be arranged for passenger comfort, cargo, or a mix of both, making it perfect for a variety of mission profiles.

What Is the Range of the Cessna CE-208 Caravan?

The Cessna CE-208 Caravan has a range of approximately 1240 nautical miles, or roughly 1426 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Cessna CE-208 Caravan Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 186 knots (about 213 mph), with a long-range cruise near 165 knots. The aircraft's 25000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Cessna CE-208 Caravan?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $1200 and $1800 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Cessna CE-208 Caravan Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The Caravan offers a spacious, flexible cabin with generous headroom and large windows for natural light. Select models include a private aft lavatory, and the 32-cubic-foot baggage compartment easily holds luggage or gear for the entire group.

Is the Cessna CE-208 Caravan Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional and island-hopping itineraries, the Caravan is a top choice. While its range is not intended for transcontinental flights, it can easily handle nonstop legs such as Miami to the Bahamas or Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe, connecting you to unique destinations with ease.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Cessna CE-208 Caravan jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Cessna CE-208 Caravan, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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