“Last year, 94 percent of the global multi-engine turboprop deliveries were Beechcraft King Airs, and much of the rise in interest and bookings this year has come from around the world. The global reach we get at EBACE makes it an essential venue for Beechcraft,” said Richard Emery, Beechcraft president, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. “Customers are responding favorably as we focus on a strong line of versatile and globally-renowned products and the largest global customer support network in the industry.”

In Europe, Beechcraft has an overall market share of 41 percent of the business turboprop segment, with 462 King Airs in service today. The largest European King Air fleets are in France and Germany, followed closely by the United Kingdom.

“As business aircraft deliveries to Europe continue to increase as a whole, our delivery trends are in sync – King Air deliveries to Europe grew 47 percent when comparing the 2003-2007 with 2008-2012 timespans,” Emery said.

More than 7,000 King Air turboprops are operated in 127 countries around the world and have surpassed 60 million total flight hours. King Airs serve a variety of missions ranging from traditional transport of personnel and high-value cargo, to electronic and imagery surveillance, air ambulance, airway calibration, photographic mapping, training and weather modification. The line of twin-engine turboprops began production in 1964 and is the best-selling business aircraft family in the world, with each model building on a reputation of proven performance.

The company’s indoor booth at EBACE will be in the PalExpo Convention Center, Hall 7, #7060, and will feature customer reception and meeting rooms, refreshment area and aircraft floor models of the company’s current production lineup. In addition, there will be a dedicated Global Customer Support exhibit with information on the company’s aftermarket offerings, including Hawker Beechcraft Services’ exclusive Hawker XPR performance upgrade programs.

Beechcraft’s static display will include its entire lineup of commercial products including the King Air 350i, King Air 250, King Air C90GTx, Baron G58 and Bonanza G36. Also on display is the King Air 350ER Special Mission demonstrator, which is currently on an exhibition and demonstration world tour.

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About Beechcraft Corporation

Beechcraft Corporation designs, builds and supports versatile and globally renowned aircraft, including the King Air turboprops, piston-engine Baron and Bonanza, and the T-6 trainer and AT-6 light attack military aircraft. Its 5,400 highly skilled employees are focused on continuously improving the company’s products and services which are sold to individuals, businesses and governments worldwide. In business since 1932, Beechcraft has built more than 54,000 aircraft and more than 36,000 continue flying today. It leads the industry with a global network of more than 90 factory-owned and authorized service centers. The company’s headquarters and major manufacturing facilities are located in Wichita, Kan. For more information, visit beechcraft.com or follow us on Twitter @Beechcraft.

WICHITA, Kan. (May 10, 2013) – Beechcraft Defense Company today announced it has signed a contract with the U.S. Air Force for the production of 35 T-6 training aircraft, with an option for two additional aircraft. The contract represents the 19th production lot of T-6 aircraft ordered by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy as part of the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) procurement program, launched in the late 1990s.

The new contract is valued at $210 million and will comprise 33 T-6 aircraft for the U.S. Navy and two for the U.S. Army. Production of JPATS Lot 19, which will take place in Wichita, Kan., begins this month, with the final delivery scheduled for February of 2015.

“The signing of this latest production lot of our JPATS contract underscores the trusted partnership between Beechcraft and the U.S. Government, which continues to rely on us to deliver and support their fleet as we have for the past 13 years,” said Russ Bartlett, president, Beechcraft Defense Company. “The contract will also provide increased stability for our Wichita workforce.”

About the T-6

The T-6 military trainer offers military operators worldwide the most proven and cost-effective primary aviation training system available today. Deliveries began in 2000 after the Beechcraft aircraft was selected to fill the JPATS role for the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. Since then, additional military customers worldwide have selected the T-6, including NATO Flying Training Canada, the Hellenic Air Force of Greece, the Israeli Air Force, the Iraqi Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Air Force and the Mexican Air Force. Beechcraft delivered its 800th T-6 trainer aircraft in March 2013, continuing its strong track record of on-time, on-budget deliveries.

In addition to accommodating instruction in flying basics, instrument flight procedures and acrobatic maneuvers, the T-6 delivers a world-class training capability that is versatile and flexible enough for teaching introductory flight training tasks, yet sophisticated enough to enable the more challenging and complex advanced training missions that could previously be accomplished only in far more expensive jet aircraft.

T-6 models include the original JPATS-winning T-6A, the Navy’s T-6B and a third variant called the T-6C. The T-6B and C are advanced versions of the T-6A with updated cockpit avionics. In order to replicate today’s high-tech frontline aircraft, the new cockpit includes a Heads-Up Display (HUD), Up-Front Control Panel (UFCP), three-color Multi-function Displays (MFD) and Hands-On Throttle and Stick (HOTAS).  The integrated glass cockpit and a state-of-the-art avionics suite greatly expands its capabilities, enabling the advanced systems and information management skills training required in current and future military aircraft. The T-6C variant maintains avionics similarity with the T-6B while incorporating a hard-point wing to allow carriage of external fuel tanks, weapons and other stores.

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About Beechcraft Corporation

Beechcraft Corporation designs, builds and supports versatile and globally renowned aircraft, including the King Air turboprops, piston-engine Baron and Bonanza, and the T-6 trainer and AT-6 light attack military aircraft. Its 5,400 highly skilled employees are focused on continuously improving the company’s products and services which are sold to individuals, businesses and governments worldwide. In business since 1932, Beechcraft has built more than 54,000 aircraft and more than 36,000 continue flying today. It leads the industry with a global network of more than 90 factory-owned and authorized service centers. The company’s headquarters and major manufacturing facilities are located in Wichita, Kan. For more information, visit beechcraft.com or follow us on Twitter @Beechcraft.

“The market is responding positively to the new Beechcraft Corporation, as we focus on a strong line of versatile and globally-renowned products like the King Air turboprop, the T-6 military trainer aircraft, and the largest global customer support network in the industry,” said Bill Boisture, CEO. “This is not only reflected in our strong aircraft delivery numbers this quarter, but also evidenced by the highest booking rate the company has seen in the past three years.”

In 2012, Beechcraft King Airs captured 94 percent of the global multi-engine turboprop deliveries. During this year’s Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition, the company announced the first King Air order for pilot training by a private aviation school in China. In addition, the worldwide fleet of King Air turboprops reached a milestone this quarter by exceeding 60 million flight hours, by far leading all business aircraft fleets.

Another milestone achieved this quarter was the delivery of the 800th T-6 trainer aircraft. This milestone aircraft was one of nine delivered in the first quarter. In addition to its on-time deliveries of the T-6, Beechcraft Defense Company remains focused on securing a launch customer for the AT-6 light attack aircraft. The company expects to learn the outcome of its protest of the Light Air Support contract award with the Government Accountability Office during the second quarter.

Further, the Global Customer Support (GCS) upgrade programs for the Hawker 400XPR and 800XPR are attracting a strong positive response in the marketplace. The 2013 slots for the factory designed, engineered and supported Hawker 400XPR program are sold out as the program completes its final certification phase.

In addition, the GCS team and its factory-owned service center network, Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS), continue to focus on supporting all Hawker and Beechcraft products. As evidence of this team’s experience and expertise, its seven U.S. HBS locations received the prestigious Diamond Award from the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Maintenance Technician Program earlier this year, the FAA’s highest distinction for excellence in aircraft maintenance training.

“Beechcraft Corporation’s first quarter success is a great start for our new company,” Boisture said. “Our plan throughout last year’s restructuring was to emerge as a stronger, more agile organization able to compete in any economy. We are pleased with how our customers are responding to our products and services.”

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About Beechcraft Corporation

Beechcraft Corporation designs, builds and supports versatile and globally renowned aircraft, including the King Air turboprops, piston-engine Baron and Bonanza, and the T-6 trainer and AT-6 light attack military aircraft. Its 5,400 highly skilled employees are focused on continuously improving the company’s products and services which are sold to individuals, businesses and governments worldwide. In business since 1932, Beechcraft has built more than 54,000 aircraft and more than 36,000 continue flying today. It leads the industry with a global network of more than 90 factory-owned and authorized service centers. The company’s headquarters and major manufacturing facilities are located in Wichita, Kan. For more information, visit beechcraft.com or follow us on Twitter @Beechcraft.

WICHITA, Kan. (April 23, 2013) – Beechcraft Corporation is emphasizing its role as a leader in the European business aviation market, particularly in Germany, by displaying five aircraft at AERO Friedrichshafen April 24-27. In Germany – home of Europe’s largest business aircraft fleet – King Airs own a market-leading 37 percent share of the business turboprop market.

The company’s static exhibit at Friedrichshafen Airport will include a King Air 350i, King Air 350ER special mission demonstrator, King Air C90GTx, Baron G58 and Bonanza G36. AERO Friedrichshafen is the largest light aviation and general aviation air show in Europe.

“Germany has one of the biggest economies in the world and is one of the most influential in the European Union,” said Scott Plumb, Beechcraft vice president of sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Not surprisingly, Germany also continues to be a growing market for business aviation.”

According to JetNet, Germany has the highest number of business aircraft in Europe and the fifth largest business aircraft fleet in the world after the U.S., Brazil, Mexico and Canada. The industry data reveals that the number of business aircraft in Germany grew from 293 in 2002 to 621 in 2012 – an increase of 112 percent.

Analysis of this data also shows the number of turboprops delivered to Germany during the five-year span 2007-2011 was 172 percent higher than during the period 2002-2006. Comparing the same five-year timeframes, Beechcraft’s deliveries of King Airs into Germany grew from 6 to 24.

“Germany’s positioning in the heart of Europe means that the majority of business flights across the continent are shorter distance but higher frequency – missions of which turboprops are ideally suited, Plumb said. “This, along with the King Airs’ ability to take off and land on shorter runways and their overall operating costs, show why business leaders and charter companies throughout the country continue to choose this proven aircraft family.”

More than 7,000 King Air turboprops are operated in 127 countries around the world and have surpassed 60 million total flight hours. King Airs serve a variety of missions ranging from traditional transport of personnel and high-value cargo, to electronic and imagery surveillance, air ambulance, airway calibration, photographic mapping, training and weather modification. The line of twin-engine turboprops began production in 1964 and is the best-selling business aircraft family in the world, with each model building on a reputation of proven performance.

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About Beechcraft Corporation

Beechcraft Corporation designs, builds and supports versatile and globally renowned aircraft, including the King Air turboprops, piston-engine Baron and Bonanza, and the T-6 trainer and AT-6 light attack military aircraft. Its 5,400 highly skilled employees are focused on continuously improving the company’s products and services which are sold to individuals, businesses and governments worldwide. In business since 1932, Beechcraft has built more than 54,000 aircraft and more than 36,000 continue flying today. It leads the industry with a global network of more than 90 factory-owned and authorized service centers. The company’s headquarters and major manufacturing facilities are located in Wichita, Kan. For more information, visit beechcraft.com or follow us on Twitter @Beechcraft.

Beechcraft has 53 percent of the worldwide business turboprop market and has a 41 percent market share in Mexico, where JetNet industry data shows 139 Beechcraft King Airs are registered.

“Mexico has one of the largest business aircraft fleets in the world, and we only expect that to grow with the delivery trends we are forecasting for this region,” said Keith Nadolski, Beechcraft president of sales for the Americas. “Operators in Mexico find our turboprops and pistons provide the ideal reliability, payload and range to popular destinations in Central and South America, the United States and the Caribbean. We look forward to showcasing our latest advancements of these products at AeroExpo this week.”

Beechcraft has invested in expanded service capabilities in Mexico to support the current fleet of operators and handle the expected growth. The company’s Global Customer Support (GCS) organization has two company-owned factory service centers in Mexico that support both Hawker and Beechcraft products: one facility in Toluca (MMTO) and one at the General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MMMY) in Monterrey. The Monterrey center opened in Sept. 2012 with the first paint facility in Mexico dedicated to general aviation.

Aircraft at Beechcraft’s AeroExpo static display include: 

• King Air 250 – Building on a reputation of proven performance, the next-generation Beechcraft King Air 250 features composite winglets and lightweight composite propellers, delivering improved runway performance, range, speed and enhanced climb. Passengers travel in quintessential King Air comfort, easily moving about in the spacious square-oval cabin over long-distance journeys. The King Air 250 further defines mission reliability with a ram air recovery system that maintains peak performance when the anti-icing system is activated, resulting in a high-performance, all-weather aircraft.
• King Air C90GTx – Key enhancements to the King Air C90GTx include an increase in gross weight and the addition of composite winglets, which improve climb performance and further increase fuel efficiency. Featuring a cabin 50 percent larger than some very light jets, the C90GTx seats up to seven passengers in its famed squared-oval design, allowing greater passenger comfort. It includes an in-flight accessible, heated and pressurized baggage storage area along with a private aft lavatory as standard.
• Baron G58 – The twin-engine piston aircraft that pilots aspire to own, the Beechcraft Baron G58 offers unmatched performance and range/payload capabilities in its segment. It also features a premium cabin that provides the best ride of any twin-engine aircraft, including flexible seating that allows for seating of two, four or six people, with the option to reconfigure and remove seats to accommodate mission needs and large baggage items. Its flight deck includes fully integrated Garmin G1000^® avionics with a GFC 700 flight control system and new GWX 68 color weather radar.

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About Beechcraft Corporation

Beechcraft Corporation designs, builds and supports versatile and globally renowned aircraft, including the King Air turboprops, piston-engine Baron and Bonanza, and the T-6 trainer and AT-6 light attack military aircraft. Its 5,400 highly skilled employees are focused on continuously improving the company’s products and services which are sold to individuals, businesses and governments worldwide. In business since 1932, Beechcraft has built more than 54,000 aircraft and more than 36,000 continue flying today. It leads the industry with a global network of more than 90 factory-owned and authorized service centers. The company’s headquarters and major manufacturing facilities are located in Wichita, Kan. For more information, visit beechcraft.com or follow us on Twitter @Beechcraft.

The deal was signed on the opening day of the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition by Shawn Vick, president & CEO of Beechcraft International Services Company, and Mr. Siubun CHU, President of JTFA, and witnessed by U.S. Ambassador Gary Locke and officials from Pacific-China Aero Technology (PCAT).

“We are proud to close our first training aircraft deal with a private aviation school in China,” Vick said. “The King Air C90GTx has proven its high performance and reliability with outstanding mission flexibility throughout the world, and offers a proven, stable and efficient platform for advanced pilot training.”

“We are impressed by the outstanding performance and economics of the King Air C90GTx,” Mr. CHU said. “The solid support of Beechcraft also contributed much to our final decision.”

In China, the King Air C90GTx enjoys the good reputation among other aviation colleges and companies for advanced pilot training, including The Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC), Xinjiang Tianxiang Aviation College, Shenzhen Kunpeng International Flight Academy, Xi’an Tenglong General Aviation Co, Ltd., and Ordos General Aviation Co, Ltd.

The King Air C90GTx provides a reliable training experience in a cost efficient aircraft that features performance standards and technology accepted by airlines around the world. The C90GTx allows students to learn how to fly in a large, multiengine, pressurized, complex aircraft while offering flight schools the benefits of economical turboprop flight instruction in a very rugged and proven airframe.

Key enhancements to the King Air C90GTx include an increase in gross weight and the addition of composite winglets, which improve climb performance and further increase fuel efficiency. Featuring a cabin 50 percent larger than some very light jets, the C90GTx seats up to seven passengers in its famed squared-oval design, allowing greater passenger comfort. It includes an in-flight accessible, heated and pressurized baggage storage area along with a private aft lavatory as standard.

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About Beechcraft Corporation

Beechcraft Corporation designs, builds and supports versatile and globally renowned aircraft, including the King Air turboprops, piston-engine Baron and Bonanza, and the T-6 trainer and AT-6 light attack military aircraft. Its 5,400 highly skilled employees are focused on continuously improving the company’s products and services which are sold to individuals, businesses and governments worldwide. In business since 1932, Beechcraft has built more than 54,000 aircraft and more than 36,000 continue flying today. It leads the industry with a global network of more than 90 factory-owned and authorized service centers. The company’s headquarters and major manufacturing facilities are located in Wichita, Kan. For more information, visit beechcraft.com or follow us on Twitter @Beechcraft.

More than 7,000 Beechcraft King Air turboprops are operated in 127 countries around the world and have surpassed 60 million total flight hours. Beechcraft’s legendary line of twin-engine turboprops began production in 1964 and is the best-selling business aircraft family in the world, with each model building on a reputation of proven performance.

“Companies like Nakanihon Air Service and government agencies across the globe are realizing the benefits of the King Air’s capabilities to perform special missions such as air ambulance, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), maritime surveillance and flight training, which has resulted in numerous orders for these aircraft in the past few years,” said Ted Farid, Beechcraft’s vice president of sales for the Asia Pacific region. “The King Air is particularly well suited to special missions as it is capable of operating from short, unimproved runways, which provides great flexibility in remote areas.”

Based at Aichi Prefectural Nagoya Airport (RJNA), Nakanihon Air Service is known for its ability to provide its clients with fast and convenient air transportation regardless of terrain and other conditions. Scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2014, this will be the third Beechcraft aircraft that Nakanihon Air Service has purchased; the aviation services company has been operating two King Air B200s since 1994.

The Beechcraft King Air B200GT, which is on display this week at ABACE, features composite winglets and lightweight composite propellers, delivering improved runway performance, range, speed and enhanced climb. Passengers travel in quintessential King Air comfort, easily moving about in the spacious square-oval cabin over long-distance journeys. The King Air B200GT further defines mission reliability with a ram air recovery system that maintains peak performance when the anti-icing system is activated, resulting in a high-performance, all-weather aircraft.

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About Beechcraft Corporation

Beechcraft Corporation designs, builds and supports versatile and globally renowned aircraft, including the King Air turboprops, piston-engine Baron and Bonanza, and the T-6 trainer and AT-6 light attack military aircraft. Its 5,400 highly skilled employees are focused on continuously improving the company’s products and services which are sold to individuals, businesses and governments worldwide. In business since 1932, Beechcraft has built more than 54,000 aircraft and more than 36,000 continue flying today. It leads the industry with a global network of more than 90 factory-owned and authorized service centers. The company’s headquarters and major manufacturing facilities are located in Wichita, Kan. For more information, visit beechcraft.com or follow us on Twitter @Beechcraft.

WICHITA, Kan. (April 11, 2013) – Beechcraft Corporation will focus its display at the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) April 16-18 in Shanghai, China, on its line of business turboprops – a segment where it continues to see increasing interest, deliveries and market share throughout the Asia Pacific region. In its first major international show as the newly restructured Beechcraft Corporation, the company will showcase a Beechcraft King Air 350ER, King Air B200GT and King Air C90GTx at its static display.

Analysis of recent JetNet industry data shows Beechcraft has a 64 percent market share in the business turboprop segment. Of a total 660 business turboprops in the Asia Pacific region, 421 aircraft are Beechcraft products. Further, King Air deliveries to Asia increased by 41 percent in the five years 2007-2011 compared to the previous five years 2002-2006.

“We have been an active part of this dynamic market for many decades and in terms of long-term growth, it is no surprise that Asia-Pacific represents one of the most exciting markets for us,” said Richard Emery, Beechcraft’s president of sales for the Asia Pacific and Europe, Middle East and Africa regions. “We’re seeing increased sales activity for our piston and turboprop aircraft in China and the broader region, so there clearly is a developing appetite for shorter range, smaller aircraft and we are aiming to further enhance our leadership position in this market.”

The following aircraft will be on display at Beechcraft’s static exhibit on the ramp at the Shanghai Hawker Pacific Business Aviation Service Center:

• Multi-Mission Beechcraft King Air 350ER – The King Air 350ER demonstrator aircraft is a standard extended-range (ER) airplane, which includes additional fuel capacity and increased capability landing gear allowing for 2,500 nautical mile range and take-off weight of 16,500 lbs. The aircraft’s unique interior configuration highlights the versatility and utility of the King Air family of aircraft with a fully functioning medical station complete with medical oxygen, vacuum and pressure, a medical cabinet and a side facing three-place couch for the doctor/medical attendants. Additionally, the large cabin provides ample room for the installed airline style seating showcasing standard King Air chairs in a commuter airline mission.
• King Air B200GT – Building on a reputation of proven performance, the next-generation Beechcraft King Air B200GT features composite winglets and lightweight composite propellers, delivering improved runway performance, range, speed and enhanced climb. Passengers travel in quintessential King Air comfort, easily moving about in the spacious square-oval cabin over long-distance journeys. The King Air B200GT further defines mission reliability with a ram air recovery system that maintains peak performance when the anti-icing system is activated, resulting in a high-performance, all-weather aircraft.
• King Air C90GTx – Key enhancements to the King Air C90GTx include an increase in gross weight and the addition of composite winglets, which improve climb performance and further increase fuel efficiency. Featuring a cabin 50 percent larger than some very light jets, the C90GTx seats up to seven passengers in its famed squared-oval design, allowing greater passenger comfort. It includes an in-flight accessible, heated and pressurized baggage storage area along with a private aft lavatory as standard. The C90GTx on display at the show is one of two King Air C90GTx aircraft purchased last year and operated by the Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC) for advanced airline pilot training.

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About Beechcraft Corporation

Beechcraft Corporation designs, builds and supports versatile and globally renowned aircraft, including the King Air turboprops, piston-engine Baron and Bonanza, and the T-6 trainer and AT-6 light attack military aircraft. Its 5,400 highly skilled employees are focused on continuously improving the company’s products and services which are sold to individuals, businesses and governments worldwide. In business since 1932, Beechcraft has built more than 54,000 aircraft and more than 36,000 continue flying today. It leads the industry with a global network of more than 90 factory-owned and authorized service centers. The company’s headquarters and major manufacturing facilities are located in Wichita, Kan. For more information, visit beechcraft.com or follow us on Twitter @Beechcraft.

LAKELAND, Fla. (April 10, 2013) – Beechcraft Corporation announced today at the annual Sun ’n Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Fla., that it has appointed Cutter Aviation in Phoenix and Flying Colours Corp. in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, as authorized service centers (ASCs) for the company’s King Air, Baron and Bonanza products.

Cutter Aviation, founded in 1928, has a long affiliation with Beechcraft brands and currently operates a network of eight locations in seven major cities in the Southwest. Its facility at Phoenix Sky Harbor (KPHX) is a full-service, fixed-base operation that joins two other Cutter locations that already serve as ASCs: Albuquerque, N.M., (KABQ) for all Beechcraft products and McKinney, Texas, (KTKI) for Beechcraft’s piston line.

Established in 1989, Flying Colours is based in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada (CYPQ) and is globally recognized for providing maintenance, repair, paint, refurbishment and modifications. Flying Colours has extensive experience with the Beechcraft product line and is a good addition to the company’s customer-focused ASC network.

Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., the company’s Global Customer Support (GCS) organization is dedicated to improving the value of both Hawker and Beechcraft aircraft by employing products and services to simplify aircraft ownership, reduce operating cost and increase resale value. GCS is comprised of five functional groups that include Support Plus (cost predictability/warranty programs), Hawker Beechcraft Parts & Distribution (genuine factory parts), Hawker Beechcraft Services (factory-owned service centers), Technical Support (Field Support Representatives, Hot Line specialists and Technical Publications) and Global Mission Support (government business and special mission maintenance / training support).

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About Beechcraft Corporation

Beechcraft Corporation designs, builds and supports versatile and globally renowned aircraft, including the King Air turboprops, piston-engine Baron and Bonanza, and the T-6 trainer and AT-6 light attack military aircraft. Its 5,400 highly skilled employees are focused on continuously improving the company’s products and services which are sold to individuals, businesses and governments worldwide. In business since 1932, Beechcraft has built more than 54,000 aircraft and more than 36,000 continue flying today. It leads the industry with a global network of more than 90 factory-owned and authorized service centers. The company’s headquarters and major manufacturing facilities are located in Wichita, Kan. For more information, visit beechcraft.com or follow us on Twitter @Beechcraft.

“The King Air line continues to lead its segment, representing 53 percent of the worldwide business turboprop market,” said Shawn Vick, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing. “Today’s King Air gives operators the versatility to land anywhere and transport more passengers farther on less fuel – all in a comfortable, capable cabin. The value, durability and utility of our turboprops are unmatched by any other airplane in the world.”

King Airs serve a variety of missions ranging from traditional transport of personnel and high-value cargo, to electronic and imagery surveillance, air ambulance, airway calibration, photographic mapping, training and weather modification.

“Millions of hours of flight experience represents a tremendous knowledge base that is fed back into Beechcraft,” Vick said. “We greatly value the global experience of our customers and use it to drive major and minor product improvements into the King Air line. This means today’s King Air models offer significantly higher performance and reliability than their predecessors and, with our renewed focus on Beechcraft products, we are looking forward to even more improvements to come.”

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association 2012 year‐end shipment of general aviation airplanes report shows that worldwide turboprop deliveries increased by 10.3 percent year-over-year, from 526 aircraft in 2011 to 580 in 2012. Beechcraft Corp. delivered 85 of its three current production King Air models to commercial customers in 2012 – 38 King Air 350i, 22 King Air 250 and 25 King Air C90GTx.

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About Beechcraft Corporation

Beechcraft Corporation designs, builds and supports versatile and globally renowned aircraft, including the King Air turboprops, piston-engine Baron and Bonanza, and the T-6 trainer and AT-6 light attack military aircraft. Its 5,400 highly skilled employees are focused on continuously improving the company’s products and services which are sold to individuals, businesses and governments worldwide. In business since 1932, Beechcraft has built more than 54,000 aircraft and more than 36,000 continue flying today. It leads the industry with a global network of more than 90 factory-owned and authorized service centers. The company’s headquarters and major manufacturing facilities are located in Wichita, Kan. For more information, visit beechcraft.com or follow us on Twitter @Beechcraft.