Grand Caravan EX vs GA8 Airvan
The Grand Caravan EX leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Cross-shopping the Cessna / Textron Aviation Grand Caravan EX (introduced 2013) 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 cabin capacity, where the Grand Caravan EX carries more passengers. undefined
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Grand Caravan EX vs GA8 Airvan: the key differences
- The Grand Caravan EX delivers 47% more range (Grand Caravan EX: 1,070 nm; GA8 Airvan: 730 nm).
- The Grand Caravan EX delivers 54% more cruise speed (Grand Caravan EX: 185 kt; GA8 Airvan: 120 kt).
- The Grand Caravan EX delivers 75% more passenger capacity (Grand Caravan EX: 14 seats; GA8 Airvan: 8 seats).
- The Grand Caravan EX is the newer design (introduced 2013 versus 2000 for the GA8 Airvan), a gap of 13 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Grand Caravan EX is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (8,807 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 Grand Caravan EX 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 Grand Caravan EX's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Grand Caravan EX 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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Grand Caravan EX vs GA8 Airvan: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Grand Caravan EX or the GA8 Airvan?
The Grand Caravan EX has the longer published range — 1,070 nm versus 730 nm for the GA8 Airvan.
Does the Grand Caravan EX or GA8 Airvan seat more passengers?
The Grand Caravan EX carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 14 seats, compared with 8 on the GA8 Airvan.
Which is faster, the Grand Caravan EX or the GA8 Airvan?
The Grand Caravan EX cruises faster, at 185 kt versus 120 kt for the GA8 Airvan.
Which is newer, the Grand Caravan EX or the GA8 Airvan?
The Grand Caravan EX is the newer design, introduced in 2013 versus 2000 for the GA8 Airvan.
Is the Grand Caravan EX or the GA8 Airvan the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Grand Caravan EX is the larger aircraft — 8,807 lbs versus 4,000 lbs for the GA8 Airvan.
Should I buy the Grand Caravan EX or the GA8 Airvan?
On published specifications the Grand Caravan EX 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 Grand Caravan EX 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.