Turboprops have been seeing a resurgence in popularity in the last few years, and many contribute this due to their versatility and adaptability to various terrain. These little powerhouses offer everything you need for short haul regional routes, especially if you are needing to land in remote, untarred terrain or secondary cities with shorter runways.
Over the last few years, the buying trends for turboprops have radically varied. As with essentially the whole aviation industry, sales of turboprops dropped during COVID’s year, however, it was not a record low, with 2017 recording the lowest number of turboprops being sold globally at only just over 50. Prior to 2020, the sales numbers never seemed to top 150, but in the last year, sales have skyrocketed and topped 150 units sold.
The turboprop market in Africa is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with revenue projected to reach $228.56 million by the end of 2025. The demand for turboprop aircraft in Africa is fueled by the region’s need for reliable and cost-effective solutions for both passenger and cargo transport. In 2025, it is expected that 52 turboprops will be delivered across the continent, with the average price per aircraft around $4.4 million.
But what is the most popular turboprop on the market in Africa and why? Based on sales as well as availability of machines, the Cessna Grand Caravan 208 comes out tops on the market, with the King Air 200 slotting in in a close second. So, why is it so popular and what does this unique little aircraft offer? We took a look.
An Asset in Africa’s Unique Terrain
When it comes to aviation in Africa, few aircraft are as synonymous with rugged versatility and reliability as the Cessna Grand Caravan. As the continent continues to face infrastructure challenges, particularly in remote regions, the Grand Caravan and other turboprops are proving to be invaluable for connecting rural communities, supporting industries like tourism, and facilitating vital economic activities. It is not only versatile for utility missions, but for private chartering alike.
The strutted, high wing machine typically seats nine passengers and two crew in its unpressurised cabin. The airframe has a fixed tricycle landing gear and can also be fitted with a variety of landing gear for various different environments like skis or floats.
Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness are key selling points. The aircraft’s straightforward design, which minimises maintenance needs, ensures that it remains an economical choice for operators. With its electric flaps, simple engine controls, and manual engine power overrides, the Caravan is easy to operate and maintain, making it a reliable workhorse in the harshest conditions.
A Turboprop Icon in Aviation History
Since its certification in 1984, the Cessna Grand Caravan 208 has become one of the most successful and iconic turboprops in aviation history. Combining a powerful 600 HP Pratt & Whitney engine with a large, spacious airframe, the Caravan was designed to carry substantial cargo while still making it economical.
Despite its initial high price tag—nearly $650,000 in 1985 dollars, and upwards of $1.3 million today—the Grand Caravan proved its worth. Its ability to carry both passengers and cargo with efficiency and durability made it a valuable asset for operators, including those serving Africa’s vast rural areas. Over 3,000 units of the Caravan have been delivered globally, countering the naysayers stating that it carried too high of a price tag.
Supporting Economic Development and Regional Connectivity
The Grand Caravan was designed with the bush in mind, and its performance in Africa’s remote regions reflects this. Whether it’s transporting large, bulky items or carrying passengers to distant destinations, the Caravan excels. Its engine, coupled with an optional four-blade Hartzell propeller, ensures that the aircraft has the power to handle challenging takeoffs and landings, even on unimproved airstrips.
Furthermore, the Caravan’s ability to handle extreme weather conditions, including ice and freezing temperatures, adds to its versatility. The aircraft is equipped with deicing boots on the wing struts, making it the only airplane of its kind with this feature.
The Grand Caravan and other turboprop aircraft are more than just transportation tools—they are vital components of Africa’s economic development. In regions where road infrastructure is limited, turboprops provide the only reliable means of connecting people, goods, and services. This connectivity is critical for supporting industries such as tourism, agriculture, and mining, which often rely on quick access to remote locations.
In addition to their economic impact, turboprops also play a key role in humanitarian efforts. Whether delivering medical supplies to isolated communities or providing access to disaster-stricken areas, aircraft like the Grand Caravan are often the difference between life and death in regions with limited infrastructure.
