208 Caravan vs GA8 Airvan
The 208 Caravan leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation 208 Caravan (introduced 1985) against the GippsAero GA8 Airvan (introduced 2000) 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. We line the numbers up below, then translate them into the mission each aircraft actually wins.
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208 Caravan vs GA8 Airvan: the key differences
- The 208 Caravan delivers 47% more range (208 Caravan: 1,070 nm; GA8 Airvan: 730 nm).
- The 208 Caravan delivers 55% more cruise speed (208 Caravan: 186 kt; GA8 Airvan: 120 kt).
- The 208 Caravan delivers 13% more passenger capacity (208 Caravan: 9 seats; GA8 Airvan: 8 seats).
- The GA8 Airvan is the newer design (introduced 2000 versus 1985 for the 208 Caravan), a gap of 15 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 4,000 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 GA8 Airvan, at 730 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 GA8 Airvan'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 GA8 Airvan 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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208 Caravan vs GA8 Airvan: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 208 Caravan or the GA8 Airvan?
The 208 Caravan has the longer published range — 1,070 nm versus 730 nm for the GA8 Airvan.
Does the 208 Caravan or GA8 Airvan seat more passengers?
The 208 Caravan carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 9 seats, compared with 8 on the GA8 Airvan.
Which is faster, the 208 Caravan or the GA8 Airvan?
The 208 Caravan cruises faster, at 186 kt versus 120 kt for the GA8 Airvan.
Which is newer, the 208 Caravan or the GA8 Airvan?
The GA8 Airvan is the newer design, introduced in 2000 versus 1985 for the 208 Caravan.
Is the 208 Caravan or the GA8 Airvan the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the 208 Caravan is the larger aircraft — 8,000 lbs versus 4,000 lbs for the GA8 Airvan.
Should I buy the 208 Caravan or the GA8 Airvan?
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 GA8 Airvan 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 GA8 Airvan?
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.