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 midsize jets?
The midsize class covers 4–6-hour legs: London–Dubai, Geneva–Istanbul, Vienna–Dubai. A range of 3,900–6,200 km allows nonstop flights from Europe to the Gulf, India and North Africa. The cabin now allows standing (1.73–1.83 m), work at a table and a flight as a working day — the class is chosen for its balance of range, comfort and price. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What range and how many passengers do midsize jets have?
Layouts are 8–9 seats, with up to nine passengers on the Citation Latitude and Praetor 500 with two pilots. Range: Citation XLS+ and PC-24 about 3,900 km, Hawker 800XP/900XP 4,600–4,900 km, Latitude 5,280 km, Praetor 500 a class-record 6,200 km. Cruise 780–850 km/h. Holds of 1.3–2.3 m³ take a whole group's gear, including skis. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does a midsize jet differ from neighbouring classes?
To the light class the midsize adds a stand-up cabin, an extra 1,000–2,000 km and a full galley — but an hour is $1,500–2,500 dearer. The super-midsize goes further: 6,300–7,400 km, a flat floor, sleeping berths — and another $1,000–2,000 on the hour. Midsize is justified on 4–6-hour routes for up to nine people; transatlantic and large parties call for super-midsize. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
Which midsize jets are in the fleet and how do they differ?
Eleven models: the newest Cessna Citation Ascend, Latitude (flat floor, 1.83 m cabin) and Sovereign+, the proven XLS+ Gen 2 — the world's best-selling midsize — the long-legged Embraer Praetor 500 (6,200 km), the 'off-road' Pilatus PC-24 cleared for unpaved strips, the classic Hawker 750/800XP/900XP with the widest cabin of its generation, the fast Learjet 60XR and the compact Gulfstream G150. 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.
