Piper Malibu JetProp vs Piper Meridian
The Piper Malibu JetProp and Piper Meridian are closely matched PA-46 turboprop singles that reach a similar result by different routes. The JetProp is an aftermarket turbine conversion: it takes the piston Malibu or Malibu Mirage airframe and replaces the engine with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop under a supplemental type certificate. The Meridian is a factory-built turboprop — Piper's own PA-46-500TP — with a PT6A-42A flat-rated to 500 shaft horsepower, a larger horizontal stabiliser and other structural changes made during its certification. Both share the same basic cabin, cruise around 260 knots and offer a range in the region of 1,000 nautical miles.
The practical differences are in origin and detail rather than headline performance. The JetProp is lighter, burns a little less fuel in cruise and keeps the Malibu's nose baggage compartment, and it appeals to buyers who want turboprop performance from a converted Malibu at a lower cost. The Meridian is a fully factory-certified aircraft with a simpler fuel system and the structural revisions Piper made for turbine power. Because the JetProp is a conversion, each aircraft's specific engine variant, avionics and conversion history should be checked.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
- For sale now
- 5
- Model years available
- 1985–2006
- For sale now
- 103
- Median asking
- $1,284,291
- Range
- $830,903–$2,305,000
- Model years available
- 1985–2026
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Piper Malibu JetProp | Piper Meridian |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $765,700 – $1,010,500 | $830,903 – $2,305,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Horsepower | 560 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 260 kts (482 km/h) | 241 kts (446 km/h) |
| Range | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) | 1,000 nm (1,852 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 27,000 ft (8,230 m) | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 4,340 lbs (1,969 kg) | 5,092 lbs (2,310 kg) |
| Useful Load | 1,200 lbs (544 kg) | 1,362 lbs (618 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 170.0 gal (643 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 32.0 GPH (121 L/h) | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $650 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Malibu JetProp
Piper Meridian
Which Should You Buy: Piper Malibu JetProp or Piper Meridian?
Bottom line: These two are close on performance, so the decision is largely factory-built versus aftermarket conversion. Choose the Meridian for a fully factory-certified turboprop with a simple fuel system and Piper's own structural changes. Choose the JetProp if you want similar performance from a converted Malibu, often at a lower acquisition cost, with slightly lower fuel burn and the retained nose baggage. Because the JetProp is an STC conversion, its individual history and installed engine variant matter to the decision. Buyers usually weigh factory certification against value.
Pick the Malibu JetProp if…
- Budget matters — from $765,700 vs $830,903, you save ~$65,203.
- Faster cruise — 260 kts vs 241 kts.
Pick the Meridian if…
- More inventory — 103 listings vs 8.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.