Turboprop or Light Jet for Short Australian Flights?

Aircraft · 20 October 2026 · 3 min read

On a flight of an hour or two, the slower aircraft is often the better choice. A turboprop gives up a few minutes and gains lower running costs and the use of smaller airfields. Here is how to decide between a turboprop and a light jet for the short sectors that Australia has so many of.

What the two aircraft are

A turboprop such as the Pilatus PC-12 or a Beechcraft King Air class aircraft carries six to eight passengers in a pressurised cabin at about 270 to 290 knots. A light jet such as a Citation CJ3 or a Phenom 300E carries four to nine at about 380 to 450 knots. The aircraft guide has pictures of both.

How much time do you lose?

Less than most people expect, on short sectors. Indicative airport-to-airport times:

The gap is a quarter of an hour on the shortest sectors and about half an hour at two hours. It widens the longer the flight.

Where a turboprop wins

• Cost. On a short sector it usually costs less to fly than a jet, because it is a smaller, simpler aircraft.
• Airfields. It can use shorter runways and smaller regional airfields, which can put you closer to where you are going.
• Cabin. Six to eight seats with room for luggage, in a pressurised cabin.
• Short sectors. The time penalty is small, so the saving is not wasted.

Where a light jet wins

• Longer sectors. Beyond about two hours the speed difference adds up.
• Speed on a tight day. If you have three meetings in three cities, every quarter hour counts.
• Preference. Some travellers prefer a jet’s speed, noise level and the second engine on water crossings.
• Distant airfields. A jet can reach places further from the departure point without a fuel stop.

Cabin and baggage

Both aircraft have pressurised, air-conditioned cabins with leather seating, and refreshments can be arranged on either. A turboprop cabin can be louder than a jet’s, and a light jet’s is usually quieter and slightly faster to climb. Baggage space is similar for a party of four to six; for a party of seven or eight with full luggage a turboprop or a midsize jet is the better fit. Tell us what you are bringing and we will check.

Sectors where a turboprop is the sensible start

• Melbourne to Canberra, Adelaide or Hobart, where the time difference is minutes
• Brisbane to Hamilton Island or the Sunshine Coast to Hamilton Island
• Regional airfields with short runways
• Day returns where cost matters more than the last quarter hour

One engine or two?

The PC-12 is a single-engine turboprop; King Air class aircraft have two. Both are certified and operated to the same regulatory standards as other charter aircraft. If you prefer two engines, particularly for a sector across Bass Strait to Tasmania, tell us and we will quote one. The Tasmanian sectors are covered in private jet to Tasmania.

How to decide

Ask three questions. How many people and how much luggage? How long is the flight? Does the airfield have a short runway? If the party is up to six, the sector is under two hours and the airfield is small, a turboprop is a sensible start. If you need to go further or faster, move to a light jet; for more space, a midsize jet. Light jet or midsize jet covers the next step up.

Where air taxi fits

Air taxi flying is built around these aircraft: on-demand, short, and flown to the airfield closest to where you need to be. See our air taxi page and air taxi and helicopter transfers explained.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to plan your flight?

Tell us the route, the date and how many are travelling, and we will come back with the right aircraft and one clear price. Request a quote or call +61 423 347 998.

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