HawkerBeechcraft

Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350i

Filed under: Wings

The new Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350i (above) is an updated, luxury version of a turboprop plane that's been a big seller since 1964. The economic crisis has caused many corporations to consider swapping expensive jets for more efficient and less costly turboprops like the classic King Air. Beechcraft has added in luxury features and finishes found on much more expensive Hawker business jets to make the $6.6 million King Air 350i a competitive choice. It's billed as is the most luxurious, most comfortable and most capable turbine aircraft ever offered in its class, period. The company compares it to a Range Rover - very refined with rugged underpinnings and exemplary safety features. With the most flexible and technologically advanced cabin ever introduced in a twin turboprop, the plane can ferry 9 passengers in the morning and then be reconfigured into an ultra-luxe VIP shuttle for 2 that same afternoon.

Tags: Beechcraft, business jet, BusinessJet, Hawker, Hawker Beechcraft, HawkerBeechcraft, jet, plane, private jet, private plane, PrivateJet, PrivatePlane, turboprop

What Kind of Jet Should the Queen Get?

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

Back in June, my colleague Deidre Woollard first reported that the Queen of England was in the market for a new private jet. Now the London Sun reports that her budget for the plane, the first intended solely for her own use in her 50-year-reign, has been set at $12.5 million.

Since that's several million shy of the price of a Gulfstream IV, an appropriate aircraft for a head of state, we consulted an expert as to what she should spend the money on. Adam Katz, founder / owner of luxury private jet charter and management service Talon Air, says for that kind of money she may have to consider pre-owned.

"She should buy a late model midsized aircraft like a Hawker 850," Katz tells Luxist, "because it has had its roots in England for more than 50 years. The Hawker 850 is exquisitely efficient and low in cost to operate. It can fly for six hours with eight passengers; it's ultra luxurious, tried and true. The $12.5 million can buy her an almost new Hawker 850 and will serve her very well." Katz recently took delivery of the first Hawker 4000 super-midsized business jet for commercial service to add to Talon Air's burgeoning fleet.

Tags: Adam Katz, AdamKatz, Gulfstream, Hawker 850, Hawker Beechcraft, Hawker850, HawkerBeechcraft, Private jet, PrivateJet, Queen of England, QueenOfEngland, Talon Air, TalonAir

Hawker Beechcraft Launches Latest Business Jet

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

Aero-News Network is reporting from the 8th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition where Hawker Beechcraft Corporation just launched their latest business jet, the Beechcraft Premier II light jet. The Premier II is the next step up from the Premier IA and is a twin turbofan, swept wing, light jet aircraft that will have a 20 percent longer range with four passengers and an increased payload. It offers a medium-jet sized cabin at light jet costs, holding up to six passengers and their luggage. The planes will use new FJ44-3AP turbofan engines from Williams International which offer more than 23 percent more thrust from the Premier IA. Combined with new elliptical winglets which offer reduced drag, the new engines let the business jets hit a maximum cruising altitude of 45,000 feet and fly farther. The first flight is scheduled for a year from now with FAA certification planned for the middle of 2010.

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Tags: business jet, hawker beechcraft, HawkerBeechcraft, light aircraft