Table of Contents

• Introduction

• You Voted, so I Wrote It

  • Single VS Twin Turboprops:

    • Cost: The Long-Term Investment Picture

    • Performance: What Matters Most?

    • Resale Value & Market Trends

    • So, Which One is the Better Investment??

• How Does a 25% Tariff Affect Owners?

  • What’s Happening with the Tariffs?

  • Impact on Maintenance Costs

  • Impact on Resale Value

  • What Should Turboprop Owners Do?

  • Conclusion:

• Turboprop News from March

• Stay Ahead in Turboprop Aviation

Introduction

Welcome to the Second Edition of The Turboprop Ledger, your trusted source for transparent and accurate turboprop news, market insights, and sales trends. Whether you are a turboprop owner, industry professional, or enthusiast, this newsletter will provide market updates, aircraft spotlights, and expert advice to help you navigate the industry.

In this issue we are covering: From LinkedIn polls - you voted, so I wrote it, How does a 25% tariff on Canada affect Turboprop owners, and the latest Turboprop news from March.

You Voted, so I Wrote It

Single VS Twin Turboprops: Which Is the Better Investment

If you’re in the market for a turboprop, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is whether to go with a single-engine or a twin-engine model. Both have their advantages, but the right choice depends on your mission, budget, and long-term investment goals.

To help break it down, let’s look at key factors like cost, performance, and resale value, along with real-world case studies of buyers who faced the same decision.

Cost: The Long-Term Investment Picture

For most buyers, cost is a major factor. Single-engine turboprops, like the Pilatus PC-12 and Cessna Caravan, are generally more affordable to buy and operate. Fewer moving parts means lower maintenance expenses, and single engines burn less fuel, making them a cost-efficient option for privet owners and charter operators.

looking over to Twin-engine turboprops, like the Beechcraft King Air Series, come with higher operating costs. Two engines mean more fuel burn, more maintenance, and often higher insurance premiums. However, many buyers justify this cost by prioritizing performance, safety, and mission capability.

🔹 Example: The Charter Operator's Choice

A small charter company in the Midwest was looking to expand its fleet and had to decide between a single-engine PC-12 and a King Air 250. While the PC-12 offered lower fuel costs and better efficiency for their regional flights, they ultimately chose the King Air due to customer demand for twin-engine aircraft, especially for night operations and flights over water. In their case, the added cost of a twin was offset by the ability to charge higher rates and attract more clientele.

Performance: What Matters Most?

Single-engine turboprops are known for their efficiency and range. The PC-12, for example, can fly nearly 1,800 nautical miles and land on short, unimproved runways. It’s a favorite for corporate travel, cargo operations, and remote airstrips.

Twin-engine turboprops, however, bring more speed, payload capacity, and redundancy. A King Air 350i can cruise at over 300 knots and carry a heavier load, making it a great option for corporate shuttles, medical flights, and demanding environments.

🔹 Example: The Corporate Travel Dilemma

A real estate investment firm with properties across the Southwest needed an aircraft to transport executives between multiple states. Initially, they considered a PC-12 due to its efficiency and lower operating costs. However, after consulting with their pilots, they opted for a King Air 350i for its faster cruise speeds and ability to handle heavier passenger loads. The decision was driven by time savings, cutting 30-45 minutes off each flight.

Resale Value & Market Trends

Resale value is an important consideration for any aircraft buyer. Historically, both single and twin turboprops hold their value well, but trends can vary.

• PC-12s: have consistently held strong resale value due to their versatility and demand among private owners and charter operators.

• King Airs: remain highly sought after, especially for corporate and fleet buyers who prioritize redundancy and mission flexibility.

Market demand can also play a role. In recent years, demand for high-performance single-engine turboprops has grown due to lower operating costs, while twins continue to be the preferred choice for business aviation and special mission operators.

🔹 Example: The Private Owner’s Perspective

An entrepreneur looking for a personal aircraft had to choose between a used King Air C90GTx and a newer PC-12 NGX. The King Air was appealing due to its classic reliability and twin-engine redundancy, but the PC-12 won out due to its lower operational costs and strong resale value. Three years later, when he decided to upgrade, he was able to sell the PC-12 for nearly the same price he originally paid—showcasing its strong market demand.

So, Which One is the Better Investment??

It all depends on your priorities.

• If you’re looking for lower costs, solid range, and versatility, a single-engine turboprop is a smart choice.

• If you need speed, redundancy, and a higher payload, a twin-engine turboprop is worth the added expense.

Often, we want a cut-and-dry answer, but at the end of the day, both aircraft types are strong investments it’s just a matter of what fits your mission best. That’s why careful research is critical for any turboprop buyer. Understanding the market, evaluating your mission needs, and consulting with pilots, brokers, and mechanics can make all the difference in making the right investment.

How Does a 25% Tariff Affect Owners?

As a broker and market researcher, not an economist, I want to dive into how the 25% tariff on Canadian-made aircraft and parts affects turboprop owners. While I’m not providing economic theory, I’m focusing on the practical impact these tariffs can have on your day-to-day operations, aircraft maintenance, and overall costs of ownership. Here’s the strategy to help turboprop owners manage the changing landscape.

What’s Happening with the Tariffs?

In March 2025, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on certain Canadian-made aircraft parts. This includes critical engine components from Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), which powers many popular turboprops like the Pilatus PC-12 and Beechcraft King Air.

While tariffs can be part of a larger trade strategy, the impact is felt at the individual owner level. The increased cost of parts sourced from Canada could significantly affect maintenance costs, resale values, and even aircraft acquisition decisions. So, how can turboprop owners prepare for these rising costs and adjust accordingly?

Impact on Maintenance Costs

If you’re an owner of a turboprop powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, the 25% tariff will directly impact your maintenance budget. The tariff means that parts sourced from Canada, whether for routine maintenance or major engine overhauls, will now come with a 25% price increase.

For example, if you own a Pilatus PC-12 or King Air 350 and need a new turbine, bearings, or any engine components, you’ll face a steeper bill. This is especially noticeable for high-cost items like engine overhauls, which could easily be affected by the new tariffs. Maintenance costs will go up because of the tariff on parts imported from Canada.

Impact on Resale Value

The added cost of ownership, especially for ongoing maintenance, could affect the resale value of your aircraft. Buyers may factor in the increased cost of parts and repairs when assessing the value of a used aircraft. As maintenance prices climb, potential buyers could negotiate lower offers or delay purchases altogether.

For example, a King Air 350 owner trying to sell might find that buyers are hesitant because of the higher future costs for parts and overhauls, especially if the aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada engine. The resale market for turboprops with engines and parts heavily impacted by the tariff could slow down due to the uncertainty surrounding parts pricing.

What Should Turboprop Owners Do?

1. Stay Informed and Be Proactive:

Tariffs are a moving target, and trade policies can change quickly. Stay informed by consulting official sources and industry updates. Don’t wait for a problem to arise—be proactive in understanding how tariffs affect your specific aircraft.

Strategy:

• Regularly check with your broker and maintenance providers for updates on the impact of tariffs on parts availability and pricing.

• Join industry groups and stay connected with other turboprop owners to share insights and strategies.

2. Work Closely with Your Broker:

As a broker, I recommend working closely with an experienced professional who understands how tariffs affect both the aircraft market and the maintenance landscape. A knowledgeable broker can help you assess whether it’s a good time to purchase, sell, or hold your aircraft based on the changing costs.

Strategy:

• If you’re buying or selling a turboprop, make sure your broker understands how tariffs will impact the pricing, maintenance, and resale of aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada engines.

• Be open to alternative aircraft options that may have fewer tariff-related issues.

3. Consult with Your Maintenance Provider:

Tariff-induced price increases on parts are a real concern for owners of turboprops with Canadian-made engines. Work with your maintenance provider to explore options for alternative sourcing of parts or possible cost-saving measures in the maintenance process.

Strategy:

• Ask your maintenance provider how they plan to adjust for the tariff and if they have alternate suppliers or alternative solutions to mitigate the increased costs.

• Explore long-term service contracts with fixed maintenance costs, which might shield you from sudden price increases due to the tariff.

5. Plan for the Long-Term:

If you’re operating a fleet or running a business, long-term planning is key. Assess the impact of the tariff not just on your current aircraft but on the entire operational strategy. Look at the total cost of ownership, including purchase price, maintenance, fuel, and other operational costs.

Strategy:

• Adjust your fleet strategy to account for possible long-term tariff impacts. It might be worth focusing on aircraft that are less susceptible to tariff-driven price hikes or that offer better fuel efficiency to offset the higher maintenance costs.

Conclusion:

The 25% tariff on Canadian-made aircraft parts is a reality turboprop owners can’t ignore, but there’s no need to panic. The key is to take a strategic, informed approach to your aircraft’s maintenance and ownership decisions. By staying informed, working with brokers and maintenance providers, and considering alternative aircraft options, you can navigate these changes while minimizing the financial impact.

While these tariffs will increase the cost of maintaining aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, they also offer an opportunity to make smarter, more informed decisions that will protect your investment in the long run. With the right strategy, you can ensure that your turboprop remains a profitable and reliable asset, regardless of the shifting trade landscape.

Turboprop News from March

Business and General Aviation

National Jet Express (NJE) Expands Fleet
National Jet Express has added its 11th De Havilland Dash 8 Q400 turboprop and its eighth Embraer E190 jet to its fleet, enhancing regional connectivity and service offerings.
Source: avitrader.com

Surf Air Mobility Receives Cessna Grand Caravan EX Turboprops
Surf Air Mobility has taken delivery of four of the 20 Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprop aircraft it ordered from Textron Aviation, aiming to integrate them into its network and develop electric powertrains in collaboration with partners.
Source: eVTOL News

Pilatus Unveils PC-12 Pro
Pilatus has introduced the PC-12 Pro, an updated version of its single-engine turboprop, featuring new Garmin touchscreen avionics, auto-land capability, flight-control safety updates, and a refreshed cabin design.
Source: Flight Global

EAA Ford Tri-Motor 2025 Tour Begins
The Experimental Aircraft Association's Ford Tri-Motor will commence its 2025 tour season in March, offering enthusiasts a chance to experience luxury air travel reminiscent of the 1920s.
Source: Global Air

Military Aviation

Calidus B-250 Turboprop Light Attack Aircraft Set for First Flight
The first production model of the Calidus B-250 turboprop light attack aircraft is scheduled for its inaugural flight later in 2025, as announced at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
Source: Janes

Financial and Market Trends

Used Turboprop Aircraft Market Experiences Inventory Decline and Rising Prices
The used turboprop aircraft market is witnessing a decrease in inventory levels, accompanied by an upward trend in asking prices, reflecting strong demand for pre-owned turboprop aircraft.
Source: Controller

Regulatory and Certification Updates

FAA Certifies GE Aerospace's Catalyst Turboprop Engine
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has granted certification to GE Aerospace's Catalyst turboprop engine, paving the way for its integration into various aircraft models, including the Beechcraft Denali.
Source: TCT Magazine

Stay Ahead in Turboprop Aviation

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If you're considering buying or selling a turboprop, let’s connect. With my market expertise and focus on your needs, I can help you navigate the process and find the best deal.

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