Twin Otter Series 400 vs P2012 Traveller
The Twin Otter Series 400 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the De Havilland Canada Twin Otter Series 400 (introduced 2010) beside the Tecnam P2012 Traveller (introduced 2019) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. 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. undefined
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Twin Otter Series 400 vs P2012 Traveller: the key differences
- The P2012 Traveller delivers 3% more range (Twin Otter Series 400: 920 nm; P2012 Traveller: 950 nm).
- The P2012 Traveller delivers 2% more cruise speed (Twin Otter Series 400: 182 kt; P2012 Traveller: 185 kt).
- The Twin Otter Series 400 delivers 73% more passenger capacity (Twin Otter Series 400: 19 seats; P2012 Traveller: 11 seats).
- The P2012 Traveller is the newer design (introduced 2019 versus 2010 for the Twin Otter Series 400), a gap of 9 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 8,113 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
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?
Choose the P2012 Traveller when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Twin Otter Series 400 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the P2012 Traveller 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.
More comparisons
Twin Otter Series 400 vs P2012 Traveller: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Twin Otter Series 400 or the P2012 Traveller?
The P2012 Traveller has the longer published range — 950 nm versus 920 nm for the Twin Otter Series 400.
Does the Twin Otter Series 400 or P2012 Traveller seat more passengers?
The Twin Otter Series 400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 11 on the P2012 Traveller.
Which is faster, the Twin Otter Series 400 or the P2012 Traveller?
The P2012 Traveller cruises faster, at 185 kt versus 182 kt for the Twin Otter Series 400.
Which is newer, the Twin Otter Series 400 or the P2012 Traveller?
The P2012 Traveller is the newer design, introduced in 2019 versus 2010 for the Twin Otter Series 400.
Is the Twin Otter Series 400 or the P2012 Traveller the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Twin Otter Series 400 is the larger aircraft — 12,500 lbs versus 8,113 lbs for the P2012 Traveller.
Should I buy the Twin Otter Series 400 or the P2012 Traveller?
Choose the P2012 Traveller when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Twin Otter Series 400 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the P2012 Traveller 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 Twin Otter Series 400 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.