Private charter — Turboprops
Turboprops for Private Charter
A turboprop is a propeller aircraft that is efficient over short sectors and can use shorter runways than jets, opening up smaller regional airfields.
Aircraft category
What is a turboprop?
A turboprop is powered by a gas turbine engine that drives a propeller, rather than producing thrust directly like a jet engine. This makes turboprops more fuel-efficient at the lower altitudes and shorter sectors typical of regional flying, and it lets them use runways as short as 2,500 to 3,500 feet, including grass and gravel strips that jets cannot access. Cabins are smaller and cruise speeds lower than jets, but the trade-off is unmatched flexibility for reaching smaller regional airports close to your final destination.
Turboprops such as the Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Air 350 are a common choice for short domestic hops, island hopping and trips to airfields without long paved runways, where a jet simply cannot land.
- Engines
- 1-2 turbine engines driving a propeller
- Runway needed
- 2,500-3,500 ft
- Cruise speed
- 260-320 kts
- Cabin height
- 1.45 m
Why choose this category
Why choose turboprops for your trip
A turboprop is a propeller aircraft that is efficient over short sectors and can use shorter runways than jets, opening up smaller regional airfields.
Up to 9 passengers
Most turboprops seat between 6-9 passengers in comfort.
Range from 1,000
Cruise range of 1,000-1,800 nm covers the typical sectors for this category.
Efficient cabin at 1.45 m
Comfortable seating designed for shorter to medium sectors.
Cruise speed 260-320 kts
Fast transit with jet-smooth performance on every sector.
Short regional hops and access to airfields with shorter runways.
Turboprops are a popular choice for these missions across Europe and beyond.
Who charters this category
Typical missions for a turboprop
Charter clients typically choose a turboprop for short regional hops of under two hours, island connections, or trips into smaller airfields that jets cannot reach. Because a turboprop needs only 2,500 to 3,500 feet of runway, it opens up hundreds of small regional and private strips across the UK and Europe that are simply off-limits to jet aircraft.
Running costs per flight hour are the lowest of any category covered here, making a turboprop a sensible choice for cost-conscious groups of up to eight or nine passengers travelling short distances, even though cabin space and cruise speed are more modest than a jet.
Fleet
Popular turboprops models
Representative aircraft in this category. Specifications vary by configuration and operator.
Popular model
Pilatus
Pilatus PC-12
A single-engine turboprop prized for its efficiency, large cabin for its class and ability to operate from short runways.
Beechcraft
Beechcraft King Air 350
A twin-engine turboprop with a roomy cabin and proven reliability, popular for regional business travel.
Specifications
Turboprops specification summary
Typical figures for this category. Individual aircraft vary — check with operators for exact specs.
Typical figures for this category. Individual aircraft vary — check with operators for exact specs.
| Specification | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Typical passengers | 6-9 |
| Typical range | 1,000-1,800 nm |
| Cruise speed | 260-320 kts |
| Cabin height | 1.45 m |
| Engines | 1-2 turbine engines driving a propeller |
| Runway needed | 2,500-3,500 ft |
| Best for | Short regional hops and access to airfields with shorter runways. |
Aircraft options
Turboprops vs Very light jets
How turboprops compare to the next category up.
- Passengers
- 6-9
- Range
- 1,000-1,800 nm
- Cruise speed
- 260-320 kts
- Cabin height
- 1.45 m
- Best for
- Short regional hops and access to airfields with shorter runways.
- Passengers
- 4-5
- Range
- 1,100-1,400 nm
- Cruise speed
- 340-400 kts
- Cabin height
- 1.45 m
- Best for
- Short trips for up to four passengers on a budget.
Operators
Operators with turboprops in their fleet
Providers operating aircraft in this category. Send one enquiry and they respond directly.
Compare
Other aircraft categories
Compare this category against the rest of the fleet to find the right fit for your trip.
Very light jets
A very light jet is the smallest jet category, ideal for short trips with a handful of passengers at the lowest jet hourly rates.
Light jets
A light jet is a popular and versatile category covering most intra-European and short domestic US routes with a comfortable cabin.
Midsize jets
A midsize jet offers more cabin space and range than a light jet, with stand-up cabins on many models and the ability to fly longer sectors non-stop.
Super-midsize jets
A super-midsize jet is a fast, wide-cabin aircraft that combines transcontinental range with stand-up comfort, bridging midsize and heavy jets.
Heavy jets
A heavy jet is a large-cabin aircraft with separate cabin zones, generous baggage and the range to cross the Atlantic non-stop.
Ultra long-range jets
An ultra long-range jet is a flagship of business aviation, able to connect almost any two cities non-stop with full bedrooms and dining areas.
Turboprops FAQs
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Short regional hops and access to airfields with shorter runways.
Considering turboprops for your trip?
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