208 Caravan vs T206H Stationair
208 Caravan and T206H Stationair are closely matched, each topping 3 of 7 metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 208 Caravan (introduced 1985) against the Cessna / Textron Aviation T206H Stationair (introduced 1998) is a common decision, and the two sit closer on paper than the badges suggest. Both are utility, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the 208 Caravan has the advantage. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
208 Caravan vs T206H Stationair: the key differences
- The 208 Caravan delivers 54% more range (208 Caravan: 1,070 nm; T206H Stationair: 693 nm).
- The 208 Caravan delivers 20% more cruise speed (208 Caravan: 186 kt; T206H Stationair: 155 kt).
- The 208 Caravan delivers 50% more passenger capacity (208 Caravan: 9 seats; T206H Stationair: 6 seats).
- The T206H Stationair is the newer design (introduced 1998 versus 1985 for the 208 Caravan), a gap of 13 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The 208 Caravan is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (8,000 lbs versus 3,600 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
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 T206H Stationair, at 693 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 T206H Stationair's range, the 208 Caravan's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the 208 Caravan leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The T206H Stationair 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.
More comparisons
208 Caravan vs T206H Stationair: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 208 Caravan or the T206H Stationair?
The 208 Caravan has the longer published range — 1,070 nm versus 693 nm for the T206H Stationair.
Does the 208 Caravan or T206H Stationair seat more passengers?
The 208 Caravan carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 9 seats, compared with 6 on the T206H Stationair.
Which is faster, the 208 Caravan or the T206H Stationair?
The 208 Caravan cruises faster, at 186 kt versus 155 kt for the T206H Stationair.
Which is newer, the 208 Caravan or the T206H Stationair?
The T206H Stationair is the newer design, introduced in 1998 versus 1985 for the 208 Caravan.
Is the 208 Caravan or the T206H Stationair the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 208 Caravan is the larger aircraft — 8,000 lbs versus 3,600 lbs for the T206H Stationair.
Should I buy the 208 Caravan or the T206H Stationair?
On published specifications the 208 Caravan leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The T206H Stationair 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 208 Caravan vs T206H Stationair?
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.