OSHKOSH, Wis. (July 29, 2013) – Today during the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., Beechcraft Corporation announced its second quarter 2013 deliveries in which it recorded a 75 percent increase as compared to the second quarter of 2012. The company delivered 56 Beechcraft commercial and military units versus 32 in the second quarter of 2012. For the first half of 2013, the company delivered 115 Beechcraft airplanes as compared to 69 in the first half of 2012, an increase of 66 percent.
“Beechcraft is progressing through 2013 in a strong position,” said Bill Boisture, CEO. “While the global economic conditions remain difficult, the value proposition and versatility of our products continue to resonate with customers. In addition, we are seeing positive growth in our Global Customer Support and Global Mission Support businesses, along with good activity in our Defense and Special Mission platforms.”
The company achieved several program milestones during the quarter, including the delivery of its 4,000th Model 36 Bonanza. The 4,000th Bonanza delivery cemented the aircraft’s reputation as the longest continuously produced aircraft in history, with more than 18,000 Model 35, 33 and 36 units delivered since 1947.
In addition, Beechcraft made strides in the certification of its Hawker 400XPR upgrade program with the first flight of the test aircraft with the winglets. The Hawker 400XPR upgrade package offers several factory approved airframe modifications to significantly improve performance, operating cost and resale value. The certification program is on track for completion and deliveries in the fourth quarter.
The company’s defense and special mission businesses highlighted the quarter with contract orders and key deliveries, including the delivery of its first Baron G58 with Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capabilities. The customer, an agency within the Puerto Rico Police Department called Fuerzas Unidas de Rápida Acción (FURA), is using the aircraft for law enforcement surveillance missions within the region. Beechcraft Defense Company announced 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 new contract is valued at $210 million and consists of 33 T-6 aircraft for the U.S. Navy and two for the U.S. Army. Finally, the company was awarded a 28-month contract extension for contractor logistics support for the Iraq Air Force King Air fleet, which is led by its Global Mission Support (GMS) team. GMS supports the Iraqi Air Force by managing contractor logistics support operations that boast outstanding mission readiness rates.
