King Air C90GTx vs TBM 960
The TBM 960 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation King Air C90GTx (introduced 2010) beside the Daher (TBM) TBM 960 (introduced 2022) 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 TBM 960 has the advantage. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
King Air C90GTx vs TBM 960: the key differences
- The TBM 960 delivers 37% more range (King Air C90GTx: 1,260 nm; TBM 960: 1,730 nm).
- The TBM 960 delivers 21% more cruise speed (King Air C90GTx: 272 kt; TBM 960: 330 kt).
- The King Air C90GTx delivers 17% more passenger capacity (King Air C90GTx: 7 seats; TBM 960: 6 seats).
- The TBM 960 is the newer design (introduced 2022 versus 2010 for the King Air C90GTx), a gap of 12 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The King Air C90GTx is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (10,485 lbs versus 7,394 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the King Air C90GTx runs 2 engines against 1 on the TBM 960 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the King Air C90GTx seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the TBM 960 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the King Air C90GTx when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the TBM 960 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
More comparisons
King Air C90GTx vs TBM 960: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the King Air C90GTx or the TBM 960?
The TBM 960 has the longer published range — 1,730 nm versus 1,260 nm for the King Air C90GTx.
Does the King Air C90GTx or TBM 960 seat more passengers?
The King Air C90GTx carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 7 seats, compared with 6 on the TBM 960.
Which is faster, the King Air C90GTx or the TBM 960?
The TBM 960 cruises faster, at 330 kt versus 272 kt for the King Air C90GTx.
Which is newer, the King Air C90GTx or the TBM 960?
The TBM 960 is the newer design, introduced in 2022 versus 2010 for the King Air C90GTx.
Is the King Air C90GTx or the TBM 960 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the King Air C90GTx is the larger aircraft — 10,485 lbs versus 7,394 lbs for the TBM 960.
Should I buy the King Air C90GTx or the TBM 960?
Choose the TBM 960 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the King Air C90GTx when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the TBM 960 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the King Air C90GTx vs TBM 960?
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.