208 Caravan vs P2012 Traveller
208 Caravan and P2012 Traveller are closely matched, each topping 3 of 7 metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 208 Caravan (introduced 1985) and the Tecnam P2012 Traveller (introduced 2019) 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 P2012 Traveller carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
208 Caravan vs P2012 Traveller: the key differences
- The 208 Caravan delivers 13% more range (208 Caravan: 1,070 nm; P2012 Traveller: 950 nm).
- The 208 Caravan delivers 1% more cruise speed (208 Caravan: 186 kt; P2012 Traveller: 185 kt).
- The P2012 Traveller delivers 22% more passenger capacity (208 Caravan: 9 seats; P2012 Traveller: 11 seats).
- The P2012 Traveller is the newer design (introduced 2019 versus 1985 for the 208 Caravan), a gap of 34 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The P2012 Traveller is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (8,113 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 P2012 Traveller — 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 P2012 Traveller, at 950 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 P2012 Traveller'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 P2012 Traveller when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 208 Caravan 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 P2012 Traveller: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 208 Caravan or the P2012 Traveller?
The 208 Caravan has the longer published range — 1,070 nm versus 950 nm for the P2012 Traveller.
Does the 208 Caravan or P2012 Traveller seat more passengers?
The P2012 Traveller carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 11 seats, compared with 9 on the 208 Caravan.
Which is faster, the 208 Caravan or the P2012 Traveller?
The 208 Caravan cruises faster, at 186 kt versus 185 kt for the P2012 Traveller.
Which is newer, the 208 Caravan or the P2012 Traveller?
The P2012 Traveller is the newer design, introduced in 2019 versus 1985 for the 208 Caravan.
Is the 208 Caravan or the P2012 Traveller the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the P2012 Traveller is the larger aircraft — 8,113 lbs versus 8,000 lbs for the 208 Caravan.
Should I buy the 208 Caravan or the P2012 Traveller?
Choose the 208 Caravan when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the P2012 Traveller when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the 208 Caravan 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 P2012 Traveller?
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.