(l – r) Scott Plumb, Beechcraft Vice President of Sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa; Chris Mace, SaxonAir Group Commercial Director; Alex Durand, SaxonAir Charter CEO; and Richard Emery, Beechcraft President of Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific

GENEVA, Switzerland (May 21, 2013) – Beechcraft Corporation today announced it has delivered a new Beechcraft Baron G58 twin-engine piston to SaxonAir of Norwich, United Kingdom. Beechcraft delivered the aircraft during this week’s European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland.

SaxonAir plans to use the aircraft for company transportation along with incorporating the Baron into its fleet of aircraft available for charter. Formed in 2007, SaxonAir is based at Norwich International Airport and offers private air charter, aircraft management and flight support services. The company recently was issued a worldwide Air Operators Certificate (AOC), paving the way to expand beyond northern Europe into areas such as Africa, the Middle East and Russia. Its fleet consists of two helicopters and five fixed-wing business aircraft, including a Hawker 900XP, Hawker 400XP and a Beechcraft King Air 350.

“We were looking primarily for a company aircraft that could also fill a niche area in our charter fleet,” said Alex Durand, CEO of SaxonAir Charter. “Operating a mixed jet and helicopter fleet efficiently and most effectively requires crew and support services to be travelling between the aircraft locations, and the Baron G58 allows us to do this providing speed, comfort and maximum flexibility.”

SaxonAir has now secured base facilities at both London Biggin Hill and Cannes in the South of France as part of an infrastructure to facilitate future aircraft management growth.

“The Baron is ideal for both executive transport and charter operations and will be a great addition to SaxonAir’s fleet,” said Richard Emery, Beechcraft president, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions. “The craftsmanship appeals to both pilots and passengers, with a premium cabin that provides the best ride of any piston-engine aircraft. But more important than style and comfort, the Baron G58 is a powerful and safe airplane offering shorter trip times and lower operating costs.”

The Beechcraft Baron G58 offers unmatched performance and range/payload capabilities in its segment. It 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.

“We are pleased to expand our relationship with Gama Support Services, a group of skilled professionals with expert knowledge of the Beechcraft product line,” said Christi Tannahill, Beechcraft senior vice president, Global Customer Support. “With Gama, we are able to reinforce our worldwide service center network for Beechcraft customers operating in and out of the U.K.”

Gama Support Services, which has been in the aircraft maintenance industry for 30 years, provides EASA Part 145-approved maintenance support and certification at Farnborough International Airport, along with avionics support, Support Plus and Warranty claims processing and an in-house 24/7 AOG support team.

Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., the Global Customer Support 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.

Kingsley Okoli

GENEVA, Switzerland (May 21, 2013) – Beechcraft Corporation today announced the appointment of Kingsley Okoli as regional sales director for Beechcraft products in Sub-Saharan Africa. He will be based in Nigeria. Okoli spent 13 years in the United States Air Force, including work that involved the West Africa region and the Nigerian Air Force.

“We are delighted to be able to attract people to Beechcraft with the skills, character and charisma of Kingsley,” said Scott Plumb vice president sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “South Africa continues to be one of the largest growth markets in the world, with the business aviation fleet in the region increasing by more than 20 percent in the past decade. Having Kingsley stationed in South Africa will provide further impetus to strong Beechcraft sales in the region.” 

Okoli was an F-16 crew chief and later a fighter squadron logistics readiness officer for the U.S. Air Force. He has experience across Department of Defense acquisition program management, business development and operational management in foreign military sales and foreign military financing. He joins Beechcraft after a role as senior program analyst for IMSolutions LLC, a firm offering business and program management solutions to clients across the public sector.

Okoli earned a master’s degree in business administration from the American Military University in Charles Town, W.V. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va., and an associate degree in aviation maintenance from Community College of the Air Force in Montgomery, Ala.

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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.

European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition

GENEVA, Switzerland (May 20, 2013) – Beechcraft Corporation said today that the Special Mission King Air 350ER demonstrator aircraft at its European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) static exhibit this week is in the midst of a worldwide tour to showcase the King Air’s unique special mission capabilities. During the yearlong tour, the aircraft is scheduled to visit more than 15 countries on six continents, and will fly an estimated 80,000 miles.

“We discovered through a similar tour last year that the best way to demonstrate the performance, versatility and low operating costs of the King Air 350ER is to take the aircraft around the world,” said Dan Keady, Beechcraft senior vice president, Special Missions. “Experiencing the aircraft firsthand makes it easy for governments, military and commercial customers to see why the King Air is the ideal aircraft to address the unique challenges of most special mission operations.”

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 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. In addition, a maritime patrol console has also been installed to demonstrate surveillance configurations.

The tour started in March in Mexico and has stopped at major aviation events such as the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) in China and Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany. Between appearances at shows and events, the aircraft is visiting military and special mission operators as it travels around the globe. After EBACE, the demonstrator will continue its tour for the remainder of 2013. Some of scheduled stops include: the Paris Airshow in June; the Latin American Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (LABACE) in August in Brazil; the National Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA) in October in the U.S.; and the Dubai Airshow in November in the UAE.

More than 7,000 King Air turboprops are operated in 127 countries around the world and have surpassed 60 million total flight hours. 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. 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.

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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 Hawker 400XPR upgrade package offers several factory approved airframe modifications to significantly improve performance, operating cost and resale value. The upgrade combines the superior aerodynamics of genuine Hawker winglets and the increased power of the Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines along with optional Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21™ avionics and a number of system enhancements. Importantly, the XPR enhancements are the exclusive factory-designed, engineered and supported upgrades available for the Hawker/Beechjet 400.

The Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics system upgrade is certified and the first customer aircraft has been delivered from Hawker Beechcraft Services in Atlanta. The Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engine certification and Hawker winglet certification are on track for completion in the third quarter of the year and Hawker 400XPR deliveries beginning in the fourth quarter.

“We’ve been beating performance estimates in flight testing, and we’re in the final certification phase for the 400XPR,” said Brian Howell, Hawker Beechcraft vice president, Aftermarket Sales and Business. “The popularity of this upgrade is evident – all 2013 slots for the 400XPR upgrade are sold out – and we’re eager to get the 400XPR in the hands of our anticipating customers.”

The 400XPR factory-completed aircraft is superior in performance and efficiency when compared to both new aircraft offerings from other OEMs, as well as individual alterations from aircraft operators like Nextant and Flight Options. The more powerful Williams International FJ44-4A engines enable the Hawker 400XPR to climb directly to FL450 in only 19 minutes at max takeoff weight, whereas the Nextant and Flight Options modification (which uses the smaller -3A engine) requires some 70 minutes at lower altitudes before it can step climb to realize the greater efficiencies without sacrificing speed.

“The effort we’ve put into developing the Hawker winglets and pairing them with the right engine has helped set this upgrade apart from competitive options,” Howell said. “Customers choosing the Hawker XPR upgrade are doing so foremost for the performance, efficiency and value enhancements, but they are also looking forward to the distinctive ramp presence the winglets provide. And they are choosing the XPR knowing the upgrade is supported by our worldwide network of factory and authorized service centers.”

The company’s static exhibit this week at the 2013 European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva, Switzerland, includes a winglet display adjacent to Beechcraft’s full lineup of turboprop and piston business aircraft.

Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., the Global Customer Support 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.

GENEVA, Switzerland (May 20, 2013) – Beechcraft Corporation’s Global Customer Support organization today announced its factory-owned Hawker Beechcraft Services facilities are now authorized installation centers for the CenTex HALO 250 gross weight increase modification for Beechcraft King Air 200 aircraft.

The HALO 250 conversion adds 920 pounds of payload capacity by increasing the maximum takeoff weight of King Air 200-series aircraft from 12,500 pounds to 13,420 pounds. CenTex Aerospace, Inc. of Waco, Texas, developed the modification and received FAA certification in October 2012.

“This is a much-anticipated mod for many owners eager to have room for more passengers plus baggage with full fuel, while also adding new safety systems,” said Christi Tannahill, Beechcraft’s senior vice president, Global Customer Support. “We are pleased to offer this important upgrade at our Hawker Beechcraft Services locations.”

HALO 250 offers a normal category STC option as well as a commuter category STC, which allows transport of passengers and cargo without the limitations that accompany restricted category operations. A BE-200 type rating is required to operate converted airplanes in commuter category.

The modification is compatible with Garmin G1000 and Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics, as well as many popular King Air 200 STCs, including Raisbeck modifications, BLR winglets and Blackhawk engine conversions.

The CenTex HALO 250 modification can be installed at any of the 10 factory-owned Hawker Beechcraft Services located across the United States, in Mexico and the United Kingdom. The Hawker Beechcraft Services facilities network offers the highest quality of maintenance training, full-factory engineering support and focused, model-specific expertise for maintenance, modification, paint and upgrade services on the full line of Hawker and Beechcraft aircraft.

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.

“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.