The Piper Meridian has a range of approximately 1000 nautical miles.

The Piper Meridian can comfortably accommodate up to 5 passengers.

The cruising speed of the Piper Meridian is around 247 knots.

The Piper Meridian, now known as the Piper M500 after its latest upgrades, is not actually a jet but a turboprop aircraft. It competes in the single-engine turboprop market rather than the jet market. However, it's often compared to light jets and other turboprops due to its performance, range, and luxury. Here's how it compares to other aircraft in its class, considering factors like performance, cost, and utility:

Performance and Range

• Piper Meridian/M500: It is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42A turboprop engine. The aircraft can reach a maximum cruise speed of around 260 knots and has a range of about 1,000 nautical miles with reserves. Its service ceiling is 30,000 feet. The M500, with enhanced features, maintains similar performance metrics with improvements in avionics and comfort.
• TBM 900 Series (e.g., TBM 930, TBM 940): These aircraft are often considered a step up from the Meridian in terms of performance. They can reach speeds of up to 330 knots and have a range of over 1,730 nautical miles. They also feature more advanced avionics and a higher service ceiling.
• Pilatus PC-12: Another competitor in the single-engine turboprop category, the PC-12 is known for its versatility, larger cabin, and higher payload capacity. It has a maximum cruise speed of around 285 knots and a range of approximately 1,800 nautical miles, depending on the model and configuration.

Cost

• Acquisition Cost: The Piper Meridian/M500 is generally less expensive to purchase than both the TBM series and the Pilatus PC-12, making it an attractive option for individuals or businesses looking for a cost-effective entry into the turboprop market.
• Operating Costs: The Meridian's operating costs are competitive, partly due to its single-engine configuration and efficient fuel burn. However, the TBM series, despite being faster, can have higher operating costs due to its more powerful engine and the Pilatus PC-12, given its larger size and capabilities, also tends to have higher operating costs.

Utility and Comfort

• Cabin Size: The Meridian has a relatively small cabin compared to the Pilatus PC-12 but is comparable to the TBM series. It is designed to comfortably seat five passengers.
• Versatility: While the Meridian is well-suited for business and personal travel, aircraft like the Pilatus PC-12 are known for their versatility, including cargo, medevac configurations, and the ability to land on shorter and unimproved runways.

Avionics and Safety

• Modern versions of these aircraft come equipped with advanced avionics suites that enhance safety and situational awareness. The Meridian/M500 features the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, while competitors offer similarly advanced systems.

In summary, the Piper Meridian/M500 is a competitive option in the single-engine turboprop market, offering a balance of performance, cost, and luxury. It is particularly appealing to those looking for a cost-effective entry point into aircraft ownership or operations, with sufficient range and speed for most personal and business travel needs. However, for those requiring higher performance, greater range, or more cabin space, aircraft like the TBM 900 series or the Pilatus PC-12 might be more suitable, albeit at a higher cost.