PC-12 NGX vs M500
The PC-12 NGX leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
The Pilatus Aircraft PC-12 NGX (introduced 2021) and the Piper Aircraft M500 (introduced 2015) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are turboprops, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the PC-12 NGX carries more passengers. undefined
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PC-12 NGX vs M500: the key differences
- The PC-12 NGX delivers 80% more range (PC-12 NGX: 1,803 nm; M500: 1,000 nm).
- The PC-12 NGX delivers 12% more cruise speed (PC-12 NGX: 290 kt; M500: 260 kt).
- The PC-12 NGX delivers 120% more passenger capacity (PC-12 NGX: 11 seats; M500: 5 seats).
- The PC-12 NGX is the newer design (introduced 2021 versus 2015 for the M500), a gap of 6 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The PC-12 NGX is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (10,450 lbs versus 5,092 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 regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the PC-12 NGX 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 PC-12 NGX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The M500 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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PC-12 NGX vs M500: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the PC-12 NGX or the M500?
The PC-12 NGX has the longer published range — 1,803 nm versus 1,000 nm for the M500.
Does the PC-12 NGX or M500 seat more passengers?
The PC-12 NGX carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 11 seats, compared with 5 on the M500.
Which is faster, the PC-12 NGX or the M500?
The PC-12 NGX cruises faster, at 290 kt versus 260 kt for the M500.
Which is newer, the PC-12 NGX or the M500?
The PC-12 NGX is the newer design, introduced in 2021 versus 2015 for the M500.
Is the PC-12 NGX or the M500 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the PC-12 NGX is the larger aircraft — 10,450 lbs versus 5,092 lbs for the M500.
Should I buy the PC-12 NGX or the M500?
On published specifications the PC-12 NGX leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The M500 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 PC-12 NGX vs M500?
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.