Frequently asked questions
Premier I: what is it and what to check before buying?
The Premier I is a light jet by Hawker Beechcraft (the US), built from 2001 to 2005. It seats 6, with 2,780 km range, a 854 km/h cruise and two Williams FJ44-2A engines. When buying, the widest cabin in the compact class — a composite fuselage. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How much does a Premier I cost: purchase and upkeep?
For the Premier I: a used-market price of $1.5M. At 300–400 h/year, running cost is about $1.6M/yr, or $3,948/h. The final figure depends on year, hours and condition. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
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.
