European Deliveries Underway

Textron Aviation has recorded a major milestone with its newest twin-turboprop models, the Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER and King Air 260, as both aircraft achieved European Aviation Safety Agency type certification. Deliveries to customers throughout the region will begin.

“EASA certification begins a whole new era for the Beechcraft King Air in Europe,” said Tom Perry, vice president of Sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“The King Air has been the turboprop of choice throughout this region for more than five decades, and the new 260 and 360 will build on that legendary reputation. We have incorporated innovative and next generation technologies that enhance the flying experience for an already proven aircraft.”

Half of the European King Air fleet are owned and operated in France, Germany and the UK. There are more than 460 King Air turboprops across Europe. 

Flights in a typical King Air 360 with four passengers and pilot, can travel comfortably from London to Athens or Frankfurt to Moscow without refueling, with a maximum range of 1,806 nautical miles. The King Air 260 can travel from Rome to Madrid or Paris to Stockholm without refueling with a maximum range of 1,720 nautical miles.

The King Air 360/360ER turboprop features the Innovative Solutions & Support ThrustSense Autothrottle, a digital pressurization controller in the cockpit, an addition which automatically schedules cabin pressurization during both climb and descent.

The aircraft also has a lower cabin altitude at the aircraft’s certified ceiling of 35,000 feet, providing greater comfort for passengers, especially during longer flights.

Announced in 2020, the new King Air turboprops were introduced, achieving FAA certification in late 2020 and early 2021.

FMI: https://beechcraft.txtav.com/king-air-360