T206H Stationair vs Twin Otter Series 400
The Twin Otter Series 400 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation T206H Stationair (introduced 1998) and the De Havilland Canada Twin Otter Series 400 (introduced 2010) 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 Twin Otter Series 400 carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
T206H Stationair vs Twin Otter Series 400: the key differences
- The Twin Otter Series 400 delivers 33% more range (T206H Stationair: 693 nm; Twin Otter Series 400: 920 nm).
- The Twin Otter Series 400 delivers 17% more cruise speed (T206H Stationair: 155 kt; Twin Otter Series 400: 182 kt).
- The Twin Otter Series 400 delivers 217% more passenger capacity (T206H Stationair: 6 seats; Twin Otter Series 400: 19 seats).
- The Twin Otter Series 400 is the newer design (introduced 2010 versus 1998 for the T206H Stationair), a gap of 12 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Twin Otter Series 400 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (12,500 lbs versus 3,600 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the T206H Stationair runs 1 engine against 2 on the Twin Otter Series 400 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Twin Otter Series 400 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Twin Otter Series 400 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.
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T206H Stationair vs Twin Otter Series 400: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the T206H Stationair or the Twin Otter Series 400?
The Twin Otter Series 400 has the longer published range — 920 nm versus 693 nm for the T206H Stationair.
Does the T206H Stationair or Twin Otter Series 400 seat more passengers?
The Twin Otter Series 400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 6 on the T206H Stationair.
Which is faster, the T206H Stationair or the Twin Otter Series 400?
The Twin Otter Series 400 cruises faster, at 182 kt versus 155 kt for the T206H Stationair.
Which is newer, the T206H Stationair or the Twin Otter Series 400?
The Twin Otter Series 400 is the newer design, introduced in 2010 versus 1998 for the T206H Stationair.
Is the T206H Stationair or the Twin Otter Series 400 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Twin Otter Series 400 is the larger aircraft — 12,500 lbs versus 3,600 lbs for the T206H Stationair.
Should I buy the T206H Stationair or the Twin Otter Series 400?
On published specifications the Twin Otter Series 400 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 T206H Stationair vs Twin Otter Series 400?
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.