Charter a Cessna F406 Caravan II

The Cessna F406 Caravan II is a twin-turboprop utility aircraft developed through a collaboration between Reims Aviation of France and the Cessna Aircraft Company of Wichita, Kansas. The aircraft first flew on 22 September 1983 and entered service in 1985, produced by Reims Aviation until the company filed for bankruptcy in 2013, with approximately 98 production aircraft and one prototype built. The F406 is a development of the Cessna 404 Titan piston twin, incorporating wings from the Cessna 441 and components of the Cessna 425, redesigned with two Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-112 turboprops at 500 shp each. In October 2000, Reims introduced the F406 Caravan II NG (Next Generation) with uprated PT6A-135A engines at 635 shp, four-blade propellers, MTOW increased to 4,700 kg, improved acoustic and thermal insulation and a redesigned Air Esthetic interior. Following Reims Aviation's 2014 liquidation, Continental Motors acquired the type certificate and rights, but received approval only for spare parts production, not new-build aircraft.

The F406 is a non-pressurised aircraft - a key characteristic that distinguishes it from the King Air 300 and Pilatus PC-12 in the same category. It was designed for short-haul regional transport, cargo, maritime surveillance and utility roles rather than long-range business travel. The cabin measures 5.71 m long, 1.42 m wide and 1.32 m high, accommodating up to 12-14 passengers in commuter layout or 6 to 8 in executive VIP configuration. Air Charter Service confirmed the F406 "complies with the European Union instrument-only commercial flight restrictions... unlike single-engine rivals" - the twin-engine certification allowing commercial IFR operations where single-engine aircraft such as the Cessna 208 Caravan are not permitted. Charter prices start from approximately £700 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the Cessna F406 Caravan II?

• EU multi-engine IFR compliance - the commercial instrument flight advantage over single-engine rivals. Wikipedia confirmed that the F406's twin-engine configuration "made it comply with European regulations regarding commercial operations, which for a long time only allowed multi-engine aircraft for commercial instrument flight." Air Charter Service reinforced this: unlike the single-engine Cessna 208 Caravan, the F406 complies with EU commercial IFR restrictions. For charter clients operating in European airspace under IFR who require a multi-engine type certificate for commercial operations, the F406 provides the twin-engine compliance that the Cessna 208 Caravan cannot. This is the primary commercial rationale that made the F406 popular with European regional carriers and coastguard operators;
• PT6A turboprop twin with 30,000 ft ceiling - above most weather on short European and regional sectors. Two Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-112 engines at 500 shp each (or PT6A-135A at 635 shp on the NG) allow the F406 to reach 30,000 ft (9,145 m) - well above most convective weather on short European and regional sectors. PlanePHD confirmed the 30,000 ft ceiling and a single-engine ceiling of 16,200 ft, providing meaningful terrain clearance margins on mountainous routes. The PT6A engine family's reliability record - billions of flight hours across all PT6 variants - is the standard reference for turboprop dependability in utility and regional operations. Rate of climb is 1,851 ft/min at MTOW;
• Flexible configuration - 6 to 8 executive passengers or 12 to 14 commuter seats; cargo pod option. Air Charter Service confirmed the F406 can be configured for 12 passengers in 1-1 commuter layout, 8 to 10 in standard layout, or 6 to 7 in executive VIP configuration with more legroom. An external belly cargo pod carries up to 320 kg of freight or passenger bags when fitted. The Simple Flying review noted the F406 was positioned as a "workhorse" capable of passenger, cargo, medevac, skydiving, aerial survey and towing roles. For charter clients who need a utility aircraft that switches between passenger and cargo roles, the F406's configuration flexibility is the defining practical advantage;
• Surveillance and government pedigree - French Army, Korean Navy, Metropolitan Police London, Hellenic Coast Guard. The F406 Surmar maritime surveillance variant is equipped with Thales COMINT communications intelligence systems and Telephonics RDR-1500 radar. Operators have included the French Army, Republic of Korea Navy, Hellenic Coast Guard, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Namibian Fisheries and Marine Resources. Air Charter Service noted the London Metropolitan Police Force used a Cessna F406 as one of its "fleet of secret planes... for top secret surveillance operations in and around the British capital." This government and military pedigree reflects the F406's structural reliability and operational versatility beyond standard commercial aviation;
• F406 Caravan II NG - PT6A-135A at 635 shp; four-blade props; improved hot-and-high; Air Esthetic interior. Simple Flying confirmed the NG variant introduced in October 2000 upgrades the base PT6A-112 engines to PT6A-135A at 635 shp with four-blade propellers, increasing MTOW to 4,700 kg (+232 kg), improving hot-and-high performance and short-field capability, and replacing the original interior with an Air Esthetic redesign featuring composite panels that can be painted or upholstered to individual specification. The NG's improved acoustic and thermal insulation directly addresses the non-pressurised cabin's noise limitation. For charter clients booking an F406, confirm whether the aircraft is the standard or NG specification;
• Low charter rates for groups of 6 to 8 on short regional sectors - the most economical twin-turboprop option. PlanePHD documented typical pre-owned values at approximately $543,000 and total cost of ownership at $83,994 per year - reflecting the F406's position as an economical utility aircraft. Charter rates start from approximately £700 per hour, making the F406 the most economical twin-turboprop option for 6 to 8 passengers on short UK regional and cross-Channel sectors. For groups whose priority is the lowest available twin-engine rate on a 30 to 90-minute sector, the F406 provides the most cost-effective multi-engine option.

Charter cost - Cessna F406 Caravan II prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £700 to £1,000 - the lowest in the twin-turboprop category, reflecting the F406's non-pressurised cabin, utilitarian specification and lower operating cost versus the King Air 300. For groups of 6 to 8 on short UK regional and cross-Channel sectors where twin-engine EU IFR compliance matters and cabin altitude is acceptable, the F406 provides the most economical multi-engine option.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Edinburgh - from £840 (8 passengers, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £1,050 (8 passengers, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes);
• London to Amsterdam - from £980 (8 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• Edinburgh to Manchester - from £700 (8 passengers, approximately 50 minutes);
• London to Dublin - from £840 (8 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• Manchester to Belfast - from £700 (8 passengers, approximately 45 minutes);
• London to Geneva - from £1,400 (8 passengers, approximately 2 hours);
• London to Nice - from £1,750 (8 passengers, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes).

Empty Leg flights appear on repositioning routes. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the Cessna F406 Caravan II

Best matched to short UK regional, cross-Channel and European sectors where twin-engine EU IFR compliance, utility configuration and the lowest twin-turboprop rates serve groups of 6 to 12:

• Short UK regional connections (30 to 90 minutes) where multi-engine commercial IFR compliance is required. Edinburgh, Manchester, Belfast, Aberdeen and a wide range of UK regional airfields are within 30 to 90 minutes. The F406's twin-engine commercial IFR compliance, short-field capability from 1,725 ft takeoff distance and 30,000 ft ceiling provide professional utility transport at the lowest available twin-engine rate. For cargo operators and regional carriers needing EU multi-engine IFR compliance on these routes, the F406 is a proven platform;
• Cross-Channel and short European sectors (1 to 2 hours). Air Charter Service confirmed the F406 can fly non-stop from "London to Nice or New York to Boston" - all short to medium sectors within its 1,153 nm range. Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and Dublin are all within 1 to 2 hours. The 14-passenger commuter configuration suits shuttle operations; the 6 to 8-seat executive layout suits small corporate groups. At £700 to £1,000 per hour, these sectors represent the most economical twin-engine option for groups that require multi-engine commercial certification;
• Cargo, medevac and utility missions - cargo pod option; 1,963 kg payload capacity. The F406's 1,963 kg payload capacity and optional belly cargo pod (up to 320 kg additional) make it appropriate for mixed passenger-cargo operations, air ambulance missions and other utility roles. Simple Flying confirmed the F406 is used for "passenger, cargo, medevac, skydiving, aerial survey and towing." For charter clients with specific cargo requirements alongside passenger transport, or medical evacuation needs, the F406's utility configuration is the relevant selection argument;
• Surveillance and government contract operations. The F406 Surmar variant with Thales COMINT and Telephonics RDR-1500 radar has served coastguard and border protection operators. Civilian operators include the Australian Customs Service and Hellenic Coast Guard. For special-purpose operators requiring a twin-engine surveillance platform with the F406's maritime capability, the established Surmar operational record is relevant;
• Budget-constrained group travel where 8 to 12 passengers on short sectors need twin-engine compliance. At £700 per hour the F406 provides the lowest per-seat rate for multi-engine commercial IFR operations available from UK airports. For groups of 8 to 10 on 45 to 90-minute sectors where the charter budget is the primary constraint and pressurisation is not required, the F406 is the most economical compliant option.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The Cessna F406 Caravan II cabin measures 5.71 m long, 1.42 m wide and 1.32 m high - non-pressurised, with a practical cabin altitude equal to flight altitude up to 30,000 ft. The standard commuter layout seats 12 to 14 passengers in a 1-1 arrangement with wide windows at each seat, air conditioning, cabin lighting, emergency exit signage and four emergency exits. The executive VIP layout seats 6 to 8 with more legroom and VIP trim. An aft baggage compartment of 2.23 m³ is standard; 1.3 m³ additional cargo capacity is available internally; an external belly cargo pod adds up to 320 kg. Air Charter Service confirmed the typical executive layout carries "around eight suitcases with a cargo pod attached."

The NG variant features improved acoustic and thermal insulation and an Air Esthetic interior with composite panels. Original aircraft carry Sperry/Collins Silver Crown avionics or Silver Crown Plus; some aircraft have been updated to Garmin GNS 530W. Most active aircraft carry ADS-B Out. The non-pressurised cabin limits comfortable operational altitudes to approximately 10,000 to 15,000 ft for most passengers on standard charter operations, though the aircraft is certified to 30,000 ft.

• Cabin. 5.71 m x 1.42 m x 1.32 m; non-pressurised; wide windows;
• Commuter layout. 12-14 passengers in 1-1 arrangement; 4 emergency exits;
• Executive layout. 6-8 passengers; VIP trim; more legroom;
• Baggage. 2.23 m³ aft standard + 1.3 m³ internal + 320 kg belly pod (optional);
• Engines (standard). 2 x PT6A-112 (500 shp each; 3-blade props); 90 gph;
• Engines (NG from 2000). 2 x PT6A-135A (635 shp each; 4-blade props); MTOW 4,700 kg;
• Avionics. Silver Crown or GNS 530W (most); ADS-B Out on updated aircraft;
• Cargo pod. Optional belly pod; up to 320 kg additional freight;
• Certification. EU multi-engine commercial IFR compliant.

Technical specifications

Cessna F406 Caravan II vs similar aircraft

• Cessna F406 Caravan II vs Beechcraft King Air 300. The King Air 300 is the primary competitive alternative - pressurised twin turboprop, 35,000 ft ceiling, 320 kt cruise and a 5.12 m cabin for 6 to 8 executive passengers. Charter rates for the King Air 300 run approximately 40 to 60% above the F406. The F406 counters with a longer cabin (5.71 m vs 5.12 m), more passenger positions in commuter layout (12-14 vs 8-9), a lower charter rate, lower operating cost and the cargo pod option. For executive VIP charter where pressurisation and speed matter, the King Air 300 is preferable. For commuter, cargo and utility operations where rates and capacity are priorities, the F406 is the more economical option;
• Cessna F406 Caravan II vs Cessna 208 Caravan. The Cessna 208 Caravan is the single-engine equivalent - lower operating cost, similar cabin dimensions and comparable range. The F406 counters with twin-engine redundancy and EU multi-engine commercial IFR compliance. Wikipedia confirmed the 208's single-engine configuration disqualifies it from EU commercial instrument flight operations where the F406 complies. For operators who need multi-engine commercial certification, the 208 is not a viable alternative. For private owner-operators outside commercial certification requirements, the 208's lower operating cost is the appropriate selection;
• Cessna F406 Caravan II vs Pilatus PC-12. The Pilatus PC-12 is a single-engine turboprop with a longer cabin (up to 6.7 m), cargo door, higher cruise speed (320 kt in NGX) and pressurised cabin. Charter rates are broadly comparable to the King Air 300 - significantly above the F406. The F406 counters with twin-engine redundancy (EU commercial IFR compliance), cargo pod option, longer cabin in commuter configuration (5.71 m vs PC-12 standard) and the lower operating cost that delivers lower charter rates. For commercial IFR operations requiring multi-engine certification, the PC-12 is not eligible where the F406 is.

Frequently asked questions - Cessna F406 Caravan II charter

How much does it cost to charter a Cessna F406 Caravan II?
Charter rates run from approximately £700 to £1,000 per flight hour. London to Edinburgh costs from £840 for 8 passengers. London to Paris costs from £1,050. London to Amsterdam costs from £980. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

Why is the Cessna F406 popular in Europe?
Wikipedia confirmed the F406's twin-engine configuration "made it comply with European regulations regarding commercial operations, which for a long time only allowed multi-engine aircraft for commercial instrument flight." Unlike the single-engine Cessna 208 Caravan, the F406 qualifies for commercial IFR operations in European airspace. This regulatory advantage made the F406 the preferred choice for European regional carriers and coastguard operators over cheaper single-engine alternatives.

What is the difference between the F406 and the F406 Caravan II NG?
The NG (Next Generation) variant introduced in October 2000 upgrades the standard PT6A-112 engines (500 shp, 3-blade props) to PT6A-135A engines (635 shp, 4-blade composite props). MTOW increases from 4,468 kg to 4,700 kg. Hot-and-high and short-field performance improve. The interior is redesigned by Air Esthetic with composite panels and improved acoustic and thermal insulation. Confirm whether any chartered aircraft is standard or NG specification before booking.

Is the Cessna F406 pressurised?
No - the Cessna F406 Caravan II is a non-pressurised aircraft. Simple Flying confirmed it is a "non-pressurized, twin-engine, low-wing... aircraft." This distinguishes it from the King Air 300 (pressurised) and Pilatus PC-12 (pressurised). The F406 is certified to 30,000 ft, but without pressurisation, passenger comfort at high altitudes is limited. Most charter operations use the F406 at lower cruise altitudes of 10,000 to 15,000 ft.

How many passengers can fly on a Cessna F406 Caravan II?
Up to 14 in maximum commuter configuration (1-1 seating). Standard commuter configuration seats 12. Executive VIP configuration seats 6 to 8 with more legroom. The belly cargo pod option adds freight capacity alongside passenger loads. Air Charter Service confirmed the executive variant provides "6-8 seats, VIP interior equipment and a wide choice of trim levels."