ORLANDO, FL – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) announces the Beechcraft King Air 350i – a dramatic technological leap forward for what is the most successful turboprop family of all time. The new King Air 350i delivers fuel efficiency and the lowest operating cost per seat mile, making it the greenest business aircraft available today. The King Air 350i was launched at the 2008 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention in Orlando.
The new Beechcraft King Air 350i highlights four key areas of interior upgrades:
- Rockwell Collins Venue integrated Cabin Management System (CMS) featuring video screens, iPod connectivity and more
- Re-designed cabin with an emphasis on luxury
- An exclusive multi-step noise reduction process drops sound levels by 4 dBA, making the King Air 350i quieter than many competitive jets
- Beechcraft FlexCabin capability
“The new King Air 350i completely transcends typical market segmentation. It will continue to provide the full fuel, full seats, full baggage capability the King Air 350 has always been known for, and now will incorporate a totally new interior that is unmatched by any turbine business aircraft in its price range – jet or turboprop,” says Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO of Hawker Beechcraft. “Utilizing a platform that is already one of the most efficient and environmentally-friendly in our industry to create an aircraft that beats the competition in both cabin system technology and mission flexibility further solidifies our company’s global leadership in business aviation.”
The King Air 350i will be the first turboprop aircraft on the market to sport the new Rockwell Collins Venue cabin management system. The system supports multiple Personal Entertainment Devices (PEDs), including DVD, CD and MP3 player, Apple iPod, Sony PlayStation and Xbox 360 gaming consoles, laptop computer, digital and video camera, USB data-storage devices, and future HDMI devices.
“The focus with the King Air 350i was integrating cabin functionality and flexibility into an aircraft that has unmatched mission flexibility,” says Brad Hatt, HBC president, Commercial Sales.
The King Air 350i’s new state-of-the-art interior features Beechcraft FlexCabin capability, enabling the owner to mix-and-match or remove aft club components including optional ottomans for either aft-facing or forward-facing seats. The entire aft club seating area can be reconfigured to meet the specific needs of travelers’ mission that day.
The King Air 350i’s updated interior includes all-new headliner, seat tailoring and tables, electrochromic window darkeners, LED lighting, increased legroom, and optional seat warmers. In addition, the King Air 350i includes an optional vanity in the aft lavatory area that incorporates a variety of toiletry storage areas, running water, automatic LED lighting and dual mirrors, and is located next to the King Air 350i’s in-flight accessible baggage area.
First flight of the King Air 350i is scheduled for October 2008 with FAA Certification planned for Q3 2009. The first delivery will take place Q4 2009, and European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) certification is expected in Q1 2010.
For more information visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.
