208 Caravan vs 408 SkyCourier
The 408 SkyCourier leads, topping 3 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 208 Caravan (introduced 1985) and the Cessna / Textron Aviation 408 SkyCourier (introduced 2022) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are utility, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the 408 SkyCourier carries more passengers. undefined
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208 Caravan vs 408 SkyCourier: the key differences
- The 208 Caravan delivers 19% more range (208 Caravan: 1,070 nm; 408 SkyCourier: 900 nm).
- The 408 SkyCourier delivers 8% more cruise speed (208 Caravan: 186 kt; 408 SkyCourier: 200 kt).
- The 408 SkyCourier delivers 111% more passenger capacity (208 Caravan: 9 seats; 408 SkyCourier: 19 seats).
- The 408 SkyCourier is the newer design (introduced 2022 versus 1985 for the 208 Caravan), a gap of 37 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 408 SkyCourier is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (19,000 lbs versus 8,000 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the 208 Caravan runs 1 engine against 2 on the 408 SkyCourier — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The 208 Caravan is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,070 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The 408 SkyCourier, at 900 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the 408 SkyCourier's range, the 208 Caravan's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
Choose the 208 Caravan when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 408 SkyCourier when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 408 SkyCourier 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.
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208 Caravan vs 408 SkyCourier: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 208 Caravan or the 408 SkyCourier?
The 208 Caravan has the longer published range — 1,070 nm versus 900 nm for the 408 SkyCourier.
Does the 208 Caravan or 408 SkyCourier seat more passengers?
The 408 SkyCourier carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 9 on the 208 Caravan.
Which is faster, the 208 Caravan or the 408 SkyCourier?
The 408 SkyCourier cruises faster, at 200 kt versus 186 kt for the 208 Caravan.
Which is newer, the 208 Caravan or the 408 SkyCourier?
The 408 SkyCourier is the newer design, introduced in 2022 versus 1985 for the 208 Caravan.
Is the 208 Caravan or the 408 SkyCourier the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 408 SkyCourier is the larger aircraft — 19,000 lbs versus 8,000 lbs for the 208 Caravan.
Should I buy the 208 Caravan or the 408 SkyCourier?
Choose the 208 Caravan when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the 408 SkyCourier when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 408 SkyCourier 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 208 Caravan vs 408 SkyCourier?
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.