- The Turboprop Ledger
- Posts
- The Turboprop Ledger - Issue #4
The Turboprop Ledger - Issue #4
The First All-Inclusive Turboprop Newsletter
Hayden Christie
April 19, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 16 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome to the Fourth 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’ll cover key developments, including Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT6 E-Series engine reaching 500 units and Textron Aviation’s milestone of delivering its 400th Cessna Caravan EX. We’ll also delve into the growing trend of fractional ownership in the turboprop market and its impact on sales. Plus, stay informed with the latest turboprop news from April 1st-14th, 2025.
Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT6 E-Series: Celebrating 500 Engines and Over 200,000 Flight Hours
In April 2024, Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) marked a significant achievement: the production of its 500th PT6 E-Series™ engine at the company's PT6 Engine Centre of Excellence in Lethbridge, Alberta. This milestone underscores the engine family's rapid adoption and the aviation industry's trust in its advanced capabilities.
A Legacy of Innovation
The PT6 E-Series, introduced in 2019, represents a significant evolution in turboprop engine technology. Building upon the renowned PT6 engine family—which has powered over 155 different aircraft models and accumulated more than 500 million flight hours since its inception in 1963—the E-Series integrates modern advancements to meet contemporary aviation demands.
Key features of the PT6 E-Series include:
Dual-Channel Integrated Electronic Propeller and Engine Control System:
This innovation allows for single-lever engine control, simplifying pilot workload and enhancing flight precision.Optimized Performance:
The engine continuously analyzes and adjusts parameters such as fuel flow and propeller blade angle, ensuring optimal performance across various flight conditions.Enhanced Efficiency:
Compared to earlier models, the E-Series offers improved fuel consumption and performance gains throughout the flight mission profile.
These advancements contribute to a more intuitive pilot experience and align with the industry’s push toward smarter, more efficient aviation solutions.
Operational Impact
Since entering service, the PT6 E-Series has powered aircraft like the Daher TBM 960 and the Pilatus PC-12 NGX. By April 2024, the engine family had surpassed 200,000 flight hours, reflecting its reliability and the confidence operators place in its performance.
Cedric Gauthier, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for General Aviation at Pratt & Whitney Canada, remarked on the milestone:
"The fuel-efficient PT6 E-Series embodies our commitment to propelling innovation and enhancing our technology to deliver greater value to our customers and support their continued success."
(Source: Pratt & Whitney Canada)
Looking Ahead
As of April 2025, the PT6 E-Series continues to set benchmarks in the turboprop segment. Its blend of proven reliability and modern technology positions it as a preferred choice for operators seeking performance, efficiency, and reduced operational complexity.
With ongoing developments and potential applications in various aircraft platforms, the PT6 E-Series is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of general aviation.
Sources:
Pratt & Whitney Canada. “RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada Marks 500th PT6 E-Series™ Engine Milestone and More Than 200,000 Hours of Flight.” April 17, 2024.
https://www.prattwhitney.com/newsroom/news/2024/04/17/rtxs-pratt-whitney-canada-marks-500th-pt6-e-series-engine-milestone-and-more
Skies Magazine. “Pratt & Whitney Canada Marks 500th PT6 E-Series Engine Milestone and More Than 200,000 Hours of Flight.” April 17, 2024.
https://skiesmag.com/press-releases/pratt-whitney-canada-marks-500th-pt6-e-series-engine-milestone-and-more-than-200000-hours-of-flight
Aviation Week Network. “Pratt & Whitney Rolls 500th PT6 E-Series Engine Off Line.” April 25, 2024.
https://aviationweek.com/weeklyofbusinessaviationdepartments/pratt-whitney-rolls-500th-pt6-e-series-engine-line
Textron Aviation Delivers 400th Cessna Caravan EX: A Testament to Turboprop Versatility
In early April 2025, Textron Aviation proudly announced the delivery of its 400th Cessna Grand Caravan EX, a significant milestone for one of the most dependable and versatile turboprops in the general aviation world. This achievement underscores the Caravan’s enduring appeal to operators who demand rugged performance, flexible mission capability, and cost-efficient operation.
The Grand Caravan EX: A Workhorse Refined
Since the original Cessna Caravan first took flight in 1982, the aircraft has earned its reputation as a true workhorse — capable of thriving in environments as diverse as Alaska’s remote airstrips and Africa’s bushland, while also fitting seamlessly into urban air logistics and regional passenger service.
The Grand Caravan EX, introduced in 2013, is the most advanced iteration of this trusted platform. Textron upgraded its powerplant with the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140 engine, delivering 867 shaft horsepower and enabling superior performance, particularly in hot and high-altitude environments.
Key attributes include:
Impressive Payload Capacity:
With a maximum useful load of 3,692 lbs and seating for up to 14 occupants, the Caravan EX is designed to carry more passengers or cargo over greater distances, especially from short or unimproved runways.Exceptional Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) Capability:
The Caravan EX is engineered for operations where paved runways are rare, which makes it a favorite among operators servicing remote or isolated regions.Low Operating Costs:
With its single-engine configuration and proven airframe, the Grand Caravan EX is known for being reliable and cost-effective to maintain, an essential trait for commercial and humanitarian operators alike.
A Global Mission-Ready Aircraft
The Caravan EX is a rare aircraft that fits as comfortably into luxury charter services as it does into frontline logistics and humanitarian relief. Its ability to be easily configured for various missions — from cargo hauling to skydiving platforms to amphibious float operations — makes it one of the most adaptable turboprops on the market.
Textron Aviation has continuously invested in refining its avionics and utility capabilities, especially with the integration of Garmin’s G1000 NXi suite, ensuring pilots have modern situational awareness and connectivity even when flying into the most unforgiving conditions.
Operators around the globe praise the aircraft's reliability. From delivering life-saving medical supplies in Papua New Guinea to transporting eco-tourists to remote lodges in Alaska, the Grand Caravan EX proves its worth daily.
Meeting Modern Demands
In response to the growing demands for regional air mobility, cargo logistics, and humanitarian operations, Textron has steadily modernized the Caravan EX fleet. Recent customer feedback has led to additional factory options, such as advanced surveillance suites for special missions and payload-enhancing modifications that improve flexibility without compromising safety or efficiency.
Textron Aviation’s senior vice president of sales, Lannie O’Bannion, commented on the 400th delivery:
“The Cessna Grand Caravan EX has proven time and again that it is one of the most valuable and versatile aircraft in the world. Whether it’s connecting remote communities or hauling critical supplies, the EX gets the job done safely and reliably — and we’re proud to reach this production milestone alongside so many dedicated operators.”
A Proven Platform for a Changing Industry
As global air mobility evolves — with an increasing focus on hybrid propulsion and sustainable aviation fuels — the Caravan EX remains a benchmark for ruggedness and operational efficiency. Textron’s commitment to future-proofing the platform ensures that the Caravan family will remain relevant in an era of growing ecological awareness, while continuing to meet the intense demands of operators working in challenging conditions.
The 400th Grand Caravan EX is a testament not only to the aircraft’s past and present but also to its future as an irreplaceable tool in the world of turboprop aviation.
Sources:
Textron Aviation Press Release. “Textron Aviation Celebrates 400th Cessna Grand Caravan EX Delivery.” April 3, 2025.
https://media.txtav.com/2202404-textron-aviation-celebrates-400th-cessna-grand-caravan-ex-delivery
Aviation International News. “Cessna Grand Caravan EX Reaches 400 Deliveries.” April 4, 2025.
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-04-04/cessna-grand-caravan-ex-reaches-400-deliveries
Flying Magazine. “Textron Marks Milestone With 400th Grand Caravan EX Delivery.” April 5, 2025.
https://www.flyingmag.com/textron-marks-milestone-with-400th-grand-caravan-ex-delivery
Fractional Ownership Expands into Turboprop Territory: Democratizing Private Aviation in 2025
The private aviation market has long been synonymous with business jets and exclusive ownership, but a significant shift is unfolding in 2025. Fractional ownership, once the domain of high-end jets, is now gaining serious traction in the turboprop sector, offering operators and entrepreneurs new pathways to private aviation without the heavy burden of full aircraft ownership.
This evolving model is poised to reshape regional mobility, corporate transport, and private travel across North America and beyond.
Why Turboprops Are Perfect for Fractional Ownership
Fractional ownership allows multiple stakeholders to co-own an aircraft, splitting the costs of acquisition, maintenance, and operation while enjoying access to private flying without the overhead of full ownership. While this model isn’t new to the jet market — NetJets and Flexjet pioneered it decades ago — its rise in turboprops marks an important milestone in aviation affordability and efficiency.
Turboprops like the Beechcraft King Air 260, Pilatus PC-12 NGX, and Cessna Caravan EX are increasingly in demand for fractional programs due to their:
Lower operational costs compared to jets.
Versatility for both paved and unimproved runways.
Excellent short-haul economics that outperform jets on flights under 800 nautical miles.
Reduced environmental impact in an era of rising sustainability expectations.
As business travel normalizes and regional airfields regain prominence, the need for reliable, flexible, and cost-effective private air access is driving fractional operators to expand their turboprop offerings at an unprecedented pace.
Regional Operators Leading the Charge
Several smaller fractional providers and charter operators are now marketing turboprop fractional shares directly to small business owners, healthcare networks, and rural executives. Companies like:
Nicholas Air (which has added PC-12s to its fractional fleet)
PlaneSense (long a champion of Pilatus aircraft)
FlyExclusive (diversifying into King Air models)
are crafting programs tailored to the unique strengths of turboprops — offering fractional share packages at price points well below those of light or midsize jets.
Unlike jet-centric programs, turboprop-focused plans often emphasize regional versatility over luxury, allowing operators to serve secondary airports and rural communities that larger jets simply can’t reach. This trend is especially noticeable across the Midwest, Texas Hill Country, and Western Canada — areas where the demand for direct, private access to smaller airstrips is booming.
Changing Buyer Psychology
The shift toward fractional turboprop ownership isn’t just about cost — it’s about strategy. For businesses, fractional ownership offers tax efficiency, predictable scheduling, and enhanced flexibility without the long-term capital risk of full aircraft ownership.
For rural medical groups, construction firms, and energy companies, the ability to reach underserved airfields has also made fractional turboprop ownership a compelling alternative to chartering or ground travel.
And for family offices and private buyers, this model offers private flight access without the headaches of crew management, hangar space, and maintenance — all while maintaining control over their travel experience.
Regulatory and Market Impact
As fractional ownership expands, regulators are also taking notice. The FAA’s Part 91K subchapter, which governs fractional ownership operations, is under review for potential updates, with an eye toward modernizing standards for turboprop-heavy fleets. Insurers are likewise adjusting their models to accommodate the rising demand for shared turboprop programs, particularly in light of increased usage and diverse operator profiles.
This trend also aligns with the broader shift toward regional air mobility, as the demand for secondary airport access and on-demand scheduling surges in parallel with the resurgence of local business travel in a post-pandemic landscape.
The Road Ahead
Fractional turboprop ownership may have started quietly, but in 2025, it’s clear this model is here to stay. As operators expand offerings and the aviation world leans into regionalism, turboprops are now more than just utility aircraft — they’re becoming a gateway to private aviation for a wider range of businesses and individuals.
For an industry traditionally viewed as exclusive, this trend signals a step toward broader access and greater efficiency, all without sacrificing the core value proposition that private aviation promises: control, flexibility, and speed.
Sources:
General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) – Quarterly Shipments and Billings
https://gama.aero/facts-and-statistics/quarterly-shipments-and-billings/Aviation Week – "Private Aviation Business Prospects Climb The Wall Of Worry"
https://aviationweek.com/business-aviation/safety-ops-regulation/private-aviation-business-prospects-climb-wall-worryFlyExclusive Press Releases
https://ir.flyexclusive.com/news-events/press-releasesFAA – Aircraft Maintenance Division
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afx/afs/afs300/afs330AEROAFFAIRES – "2025 Trends in the Private Aviation Market"
https://aeroaffaires.com/2025-trends-in-the-private-aviation-market/
Turboprop News — April 1st-14 2025
April 1–6, 2025
Epic E1000 AX Launch with Garmin Autoland
Epic Aircraft unveiled the E1000 AX turboprop at Sun ‘n Fun, featuring Garmin Autoland (automated emergency landings), Autothrottle, and 25+ upgrades. Priced at $4.7M–$4.85M, it offers a 1,150 lb full-fuel payload and deliveries starting summer 2025[^6^][^8^][^10^].
Epic Aircraft | AvWeb | Military Aerospace
April 2, 2025
FLYING’s 2025 Turboprop Buyers Guide
Piper’s M700 Fury deliveries surged, while Textron’s Cessna 408 sales declined. Epic’s E1000 GX production nearly doubled year-over-year[^2^].
FLYING Magazine
April 7, 2025
Used Turboprop Inventory Trends Video
Sandhills Global reported month-over-month inventory improvements for used turboprops, though levels remain below 2024. Asking values have risen for eight consecutive months[^3^][^5^].
Watch Video
April 12–14, 2025
MU-2B Crash Near Craryville, NY
A Mitsubishi MU-2B turboprop crashed on April 12, resulting in six fatalities. No distress call was made, per preliminary reports[^1^].
AIN Online
Caribbean Airlines’ ATR72 Connectivity Upgrade
Bluebox expanded inflight WiFi to Caribbean Airlines’ ATR72 turboprop fleet[^7^].
Asian Aviation
Stay Ahead in Turboprop Aviation
If you find The Turboprop Ledger valuable, why not share it with others in the industry? Growing this community means more insights, market trends, and aircraft opportunities for everyone. Send this to a colleague, client, or fellow aviation professional who would benefit from staying ahead in turboprop aviation.
📩 Spread the word — share The Turboprop Ledger
Stay ahead of the curve!
If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to The Turboprop Ledger to get the latest updates, market insights, and aviation news delivered directly to your inbox. Don’t miss out on valuable information that can help you make informed decisions in the world of turboprop aviation.
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.
Have suggestions for future editions? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
📞 Let’s talk turboprops — reach out anytime!
📧 Email: [email protected] | 📱 Call/Text: 469-412-4833