There’s no denying that jets are sexier than prop planes. But now in an era of sky high fuel cost, aircraft designers are rediscovering the efficiencies inherent in the propeller planes. Take the Piaggio P.180, which we found to have one of the lowest carbon footprints of any private plane. Now Comp Air Aviation is bringing forth its Comp Air 12, an eight passenger turboprop with the range to travel non-stop point to point between almost any two destinations in the lower 48.

The Comp Air 12 might use some classic technology in its engine, a Honeywell TPE331-14GR turboprop, but the airframe, built entirely from carbon-composite belongs squarely in the 21st century. The light weight means that in addition to its impressive range, it can also cruise at 359 miles per hour. The cabin will be large enough to stand in, and will house a fully enclosed lavatory. An all glass Honeywell avionics suite means that this turboprop should be anything but your grandfather’s plane.

The Comp Air 12 will put up a good fight with the Very Light Jets in the emerging air taxi market. It should also appeal to cost conscious executives looking for a value option for their corporations travel. In addition to burning less fuel, turboprops have less temperamental service demands.

The first prototype is now flying, with the company expecting FAA certification by first quarter 2010.