Frequently asked questions
What is Beechcraft known for and which aircraft does it build today?
Beechcraft (part of Textron Aviation) created the King Air, the best-selling twin turboprop in history: more than 7,600 built since 1964. In production today are the King Air 260 (6–8 seats, ~3,100 km) and the King Air 360ER with up to 5,000 km of range, with the single-engine Denali coming. The brand's niche is reliable turboprops for short and unpaved strips. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How reliable is the King Air and what about parts?
The King Air is a byword for durability in the turboprop class: Pratt & Whitney PT6A engines with over 500 million fleet hours, a 3,600-hour overhaul interval and unpaved-strip clearance. A fleet of 6,000+ flying aircraft means parts are always available everywhere — from the US to Central Asia — and routine maintenance is done by any Textron station. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How well does the King Air hold value on the pre-owned market?
More steadily than most jets: a ten-year-old King Air 350 sells for $4–6M against a new 360 at about $8.8M — a loss well under 50% over a decade. Liquidity comes from government bodies, air ambulance and cargo operators buying used aircraft. The quickest to sell are those with a fresh interior and engines under half-life. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does the King Air differ from the Pilatus PC-12?
The main difference is engine count: the King Air is twin-engine, the PC-12 single. The King Air 260 climbs faster, is cleared for commercial night flights over difficult terrain without restrictions and takes up to 8 passengers. The PC-12 is about 30% cheaper to operate and has a large cargo door. The choice comes down to philosophy: engine redundancy versus ownership economics. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What routes and tasks suit light jets?
The light jet is the most in-demand class of business aviation for 2–4-hour legs: Geneva–Dubai, London–Athens, Vienna–London. A range of 3,700–4,000 km covers 80% of real business routes across Europe, the Middle East and the CIS. The class keeps access to short strips from 1,200 m and a reasonable hourly price — the sweet spot between VLJ and midsize. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How many passengers and how much baggage does a light jet take?
The typical layout is 6–8 seats, the maximum up to 10 (Phenom 300E). A comfortable long-leg load is 4–6 people. Holds take 0.9–1.9 m³: 6–8 suitcases plus hand luggage, and the CJ4 and Phenom 300 fit skis and golf bags. A full cabin and full tanks are not available at once — with eight passengers, range falls by about a quarter. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does a light jet differ from neighbouring classes?
From a VLJ it is set apart by an extra 1,000–1,500 km of range, a full lavatory and a hold twice as large; from a midsize by price: an hour is $1,500–2,500 cheaper, but the cabin is lower (no standing) and there is no separate crew area. The choice: 2–4 hours for four — light; 5+ hours, 8+ people or a stand-up cabin needed — midsize. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
Which light jets are in the fleet and how do they differ?
Ten models to choose from: the best-selling Embraer Phenom 300E (up to 10 seats, 3,720 km), the Cessna CJ2+/CJ3/CJ4 family with best-in-class economics, the fast Learjet 40XR/45XR/70/75 cruising up to 860 km/h, the remanufactured Nextant 400XTi — jet speed at a turboprop price — and the Beechcraft Premier IA with a composite fuselage and the widest cabin in class. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How do you choose an aircraft to buy for your needs?
Start from two numbers: the length of your typical route and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 people — a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km — a midsize jet; nonstop intercontinental — a long-range jet. Then adjust for short runways, baggage volume and sleeping berths. We'll match a model to your profile and calculate the ownership economics. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
New aircraft or pre-owned — which is the better buy?
A new aircraft means a factory warranty and a 1–3-year queue, but the price is at its peak. A pre-owned aircraft means immediate delivery and a price 30–60% lower, while engine time and history matter. For most buyers a fresh 3–7-year-old aircraft is optimal: the main depreciation has happened and plenty of life remains. We cost both options. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
