Beechcraft

Beechcraft (part of Textron Aviation) is the creator of the King Air, the most produced twin-engine turboprop in history, with over 7,600 aircraft produced since 1964. Currently in production are the King Air 260 (6-8 seats, ~3,100 km) and King Air 360ER with a range of up to 5,000 km, and the single-engine Denali is in development. The brand's niche is reliable turboprop aircraft for short and unpaved airstrips.

The King Air is considered the benchmark for survivability in the turboprop class: Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines with over 500 million operating hours, a 3,600-hour TBO, and are certified for ground-launched flights. A fleet of over 6,000 aircraft means spare parts are readily available, from the US to Central Asia, and routine maintenance is performed by any Textron service center.

More stable than most jets: a ten-year-old 350-series King Air sells for £81T4–6 million, compared to a new 360 for around £81T8.8 million—a loss significantly less than £50% over a decade. Liquidity is provided by government agencies, air ambulance services, and cargo operators, who buy used aircraft. Aircraft with a new interior and engines with up to half their lifespan sell the fastest.

The main difference is the number of engines: the King Air is twin-engine, while the PC-12 is single-engine. The King Air 260 climbs faster, is licensed for commercial night flights over difficult terrain without restrictions, and can carry up to eight passengers. The PC-12 is approximately 30% cheaper to operate and has a larger cargo door. The choice comes down to philosophy: engine redundancy versus ownership economy.

The Beechcraft is an American brand from Wichita, Kansas, founded in 1932 and now part of Textron Aviation. The legendary King Air has been in production since 1964, with over 7,600 aircraft produced—making it the most produced turboprop business jet in history. In total, over 50,000 aircraft have been built under the Beechcraft brand.

Service is provided through the Textron Aviation network—dozens of authorized service centers, including centers in Europe and the Middle East. Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines are serviced by any P&WC service center, and the vast fleet of King Airs means spare parts are readily available, including in Central Asia.

Textron's standard factory warranty is typically 5 years or 5,000 flight hours for the airframe and systems. PT6A engines are covered by Pratt & Whitney's ESP programs, and Collins avionics are covered by separate packages. Extended ProAdvantage service contracts are available.

The King Air 260/360 are delivered approximately 12-18 months from the order date, while the new single-engine Denali is available as soon as it enters production, with a waiting list for the first slots. Faster delivery is possible from a dealer's existing inventory slot or on the used market.

A new King Air 260 costs approximately 7.8 million rubles, a King Air 360ER costs approximately 9.2 million rubles, and a new Denali costs approximately 6.4 million rubles. On the used market, King Air 250/350 engines sell for between 3 and 6 million rubles, depending on the year and engine life. The King Air traditionally has one of the best residual values in its class.

The twin-engine King Air 260 (6-8 seats, ~3,100 km) and 360ER (up to 5,000 km) are in production, and the single-engine Denali is in development. The 260 is used for short regional flights and unpaved runways, while the 360ER is suitable for long flights with a single stop. The Denali is the most fuel-efficient entry into the turboprop class.