King Air 360 vs PC-12 NGX
The King Air 360 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation King Air 360 (introduced 2021) beside the Pilatus Aircraft PC-12 NGX (introduced 2021) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are turboprops, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the King Air 360 has the advantage. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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King Air 360 vs PC-12 NGX: the key differences
- The King Air 360 delivers 41% more range (King Air 360: 2,539 nm; PC-12 NGX: 1,803 nm).
- The King Air 360 delivers 8% more cruise speed (King Air 360: 312 kt; PC-12 NGX: 290 kt).
- The King Air 360 and PC-12 NGX are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 11 seats.
- The King Air 360 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (15,000 lbs versus 10,450 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the King Air 360 runs 2 engines against 1 on the PC-12 NGX — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The King Air 360 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,539 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The PC-12 NGX, at 1,803 nm, is better matched to regional and short-to-medium legs, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the PC-12 NGX's range, the King Air 360's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the King Air 360 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The PC-12 NGX can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
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King Air 360 vs PC-12 NGX: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the King Air 360 or the PC-12 NGX?
The King Air 360 has the longer published range — 2,539 nm versus 1,803 nm for the PC-12 NGX.
Which is faster, the King Air 360 or the PC-12 NGX?
The King Air 360 cruises faster, at 312 kt versus 290 kt for the PC-12 NGX.
Is the King Air 360 or the PC-12 NGX the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the King Air 360 is the larger aircraft — 15,000 lbs versus 10,450 lbs for the PC-12 NGX.
Should I buy the King Air 360 or the PC-12 NGX?
On published specifications the King Air 360 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The PC-12 NGX can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the King Air 360 vs PC-12 NGX?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.