Turboprop or light jet? Many executives face this decision when they book private charter flights for their business aviation needs. While turbofan aircraft dominate the majority of the air charter market, there is definitely a time and a place for turboprop charter planes. In particular, turboprops are useful for:

  • Short-hop flights
  • Traveling to remote locations
  • Corporate commuters

To understand the benefit of a turboprop provides, it’s a good idea to first understand what makes them different from their turbofan counterparts. The obvious differentiator lies in their outward appearance. As the name suggests, a turboprop—which is short for turbo propeller—features one, or more, propellers. (In the charter industry, most turboprops feature either a twin- or single-engine configuration). Gas turbine engines power both types of aircraft. The difference with a turboprop is that the power derived from the turbine engine is used to drive the propeller. With a turbofan engine, the exhaust gases are directly used to generate thrust.

Economy

turboprop charter planes - Pilatus PC12 Perhaps the most important advantage of turboprop charter planes is their relatively low operating costs. For companies that conduct frequent short- to midrange charter operations, it’s hard to beat a turboprop for economy. Their engines are more efficient, and therefore, consume less fuel per passenger. While many businesses charter King Air 200 series aircraft for these types of regional missions, others are realizing even more cost savings by choosing single-engine turboprops. A good example of this is the Swiss-built Pilatus PC12 charter plane.

Runway Performance

Turboprop charter planes typically require lower approach speeds when they land at airports. As a result, they require less runway distance to stop compared to turbofan-powered aircraft. This is a key benefit for companies that operate in areas that lack commercial airport facilities. This added flight planning flexibility allows them to land closer to their ultimate destination, which reduces the time spent in ground transit.

Airfield Type

In addition to accessing shorter runways, turboprop charters are typically better equipped to handle unimproved runways (i.e. runways that aren’t paved). This further adds to their versatility, as they can access airfields with grass or dirt strips.

Debunking Myths About Turboprop Charter Planes

turboprop charter planes - King Air 200 interior Many people view turboprop aircraft as antiquated technology when compared to today’s modern jet charter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Part of this misconception lies in the fact that they are often (incorrectly) associated with the less reliable piston-powered aircraft you see in the general aviation sector. Modern-day turboprops are technological marvels. They feature the latest safety equipment and amenities, such as:

  • Radar and GPS navigation
  • Advanced avionics
  • Noise-cancelling technology
  • Spacious, VIP-quality cabin interiors

Nor are turboprops slow. For corporate travelers who use them for short-range missions, the total flight time, when compared to light jet travel, is negligible. If you’re looking for an economical corporate travel option, talk to a Stratos Jet Charters associate about turboprop charter planes. From the ever-popular Beechcraft King Air 200 charter to the newer single-engine Pilatus PC12 charter, we’ll find the right solution for your business aviation needs.