King Air 350 Guide: Specs, Cost & Performance

There's a reason the King Air 350 remains Beechcraft's best-selling aircraft. It perfectly combines a princely cabin with rugged, get-it-done dependability. This impressive turboprop, the largest in the Beech King Air family, has long been a top choice for savvy charter flyers. The Beechcraft King Air 350 simply delivers on performance and comfort. With an impressive range of 1,440 nautical miles, it's the ideal choice for transporting executives or family on those essential short-to-midrange flights, getting you where you need to be with ease.

A Bigger, Better Turboprop

As Beechcraft’s biggest airplane, the King Air 350 turboprop has the measurements to impress even seasoned jet setters. The sheer size of the airframe, with a 58-foot wingspan and 17-foot cabin, puts it a step above most turboprops in its ability to handle adverse flying conditions and cut through turbulence. You’d swear you were on a more expensive light jet like the Embraer Phenom 300 or Cessna Citation V. The outboard positioning of the engines is a welcome benefit of the broad wingspan, keeping the cabin—which is large enough for double club seating—much quieter than more tightly constructed models.

A Cabin Fit For a King

The fourteen large, rounded windows of the King Air 350 interior nearly touch one another, giving each wall the impression of one large, segmented window. Every passenger also has the freedom to select their own level of window polarization, dimming the sun’s intensity to suit their preference.  The restyled double-club cabin chairs of the Beechcraft King 350 feature retractable armrests, recessed headrests, and both inboard and outboard tracking. A soft glow from the geometrically arranged indirect lighting provides soothing overhead ambiance as passengers enjoy a luxurious, quiet, and comfortable in-flight experience.

Premium sound insulation is another highlight, with a 4 dB reduction (to 78-dB) in the Beechcraft King 350i model that is analogous to the quiet ride travelers expect from propeller-free light jets. Check out more of the updated Beechcraft King Air 350i interior in this showcase video.

A Rich History and Modern Variants

The King Air 350 isn't just an aircraft; it's a cornerstone of business aviation. With a lineage stretching back over 50 years, its reputation for strength and reliability is well-earned. This aircraft comes from the esteemed Textron Aviation family, a name synonymous with quality and performance in the skies. The King Air series has consistently proven itself as a workhorse, capable of handling demanding flight schedules while providing a comfortable and secure environment for passengers. Its enduring popularity is a testament to a design that perfectly balances performance, comfort, and operational efficiency, making it a top choice for business travel and private charters alike. This rich history provides a foundation of trust that discerning travelers appreciate when selecting an aircraft for their journey.

The Textron Aviation Legacy

The King Air 350 stands as a proud achievement within the Textron Aviation portfolio, which includes iconic brands like Beechcraft and Cessna. For decades, these names have been at the forefront of aviation innovation. The King Air 350, in particular, is celebrated for its robust construction and dependable performance, making it a very popular airplane for business travel. It’s designed to carry up to nine passengers comfortably, complete with an onboard lavatory and a generous amount of space for luggage. This legacy of excellence ensures that every flight in a King Air 350 is built on a history of proven safety and engineering, offering peace of mind whether you're flying for business or leisure.

Key King Air 350 Models

While the King Air 350 is a specific model, it has seen several iterations and special versions over the years, each tailored to meet different operational needs. The original design was a strategic evolution of its predecessor, the King Air 300. Beechcraft stretched the fuselage, adding two extra windows on each side, which not only increased cabin space but also enhanced the passenger experience with more natural light. They also added winglets to the wingtips, a small but significant modification that improves aerodynamic efficiency. These thoughtful enhancements have allowed the King Air 350 to remain a competitive and highly desirable aircraft in the turboprop market, with variants that cater to everything from standard corporate travel to specialized long-range missions.

The Standard King Air 350i

The King Air 350i is the modern standard-bearer for the line, representing a significant update in comfort and technology. The "i" stands for "interior," and it's here that the aircraft truly shines. The cabin was redesigned to create a quieter, more luxurious environment that rivals many light jets. With enhanced soundproofing, modernized seating, and an advanced cabin management system, the 350i offers a superior passenger experience. It’s the perfect aircraft for executives who need a productive and comfortable mobile office, or for families seeking a relaxed and refined travel atmosphere. This model continues the King Air tradition of blending rugged utility with sophisticated comfort.

King Air 350ER (Extended Range)

For those whose missions require more time in the air, the King Air 350ER, or "Extended Range," model is the answer. This variant is structurally modified to carry more fuel, significantly increasing its flight time and range. It’s an ideal choice for surveillance, air ambulance, or government missions that demand long-duration flights without the need to refuel. While it’s a specialized aircraft, the 350ER demonstrates the incredible versatility of the King Air platform. It retains the core strengths of the standard model—reliability and performance—while adding the endurance needed for the most demanding operational requirements, proving it can be customized for almost any role.

King Air 360: The Newest Generation

The King Air 360 represents the latest evolution in this legendary family, introducing even more advancements in pilot and passenger comfort. A key upgrade is the addition of the ThrustSense Autothrottle system, which automatically manages engine power from takeoff to landing. This reduces pilot workload and enhances safety. For passengers, the cabin altitude is automatically managed by a new digital pressurization controller, resulting in a more comfortable experience, especially on longer flights. The King Air 360 builds on the solid foundation of its predecessors, incorporating smart technology to make one of the world's favorite turboprops even better.

King Air 350 Specifications and Performance

When you look at the numbers, it’s easy to see why the King Air 350 is such a respected aircraft in the private aviation world. It delivers an impressive combination of power, range, and efficiency that makes it suitable for a wide variety of missions. Whether you're planning a multi-city business trip or a weekend getaway, the King Air 350 has the performance capabilities to get you there safely and comfortably. Its design strikes a perfect balance, offering jet-like features in a more economical and versatile turboprop package. This performance is a key reason why it's a popular choice for those who need to charter an aircraft that can handle diverse travel requirements with ease.

Power and Performance

The heart of the King Air 350's impressive performance lies in its engines. This aircraft is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney PT6A-60A engines, each capable of producing 1,050 horsepower. This immense power gives the King Air 350 excellent takeoff and climb capabilities, allowing it to reach its cruising altitude quickly and efficiently. The reliability of these engines is legendary in the aviation industry, contributing to the King Air's outstanding safety record. This power doesn't just translate to speed; it also provides the performance needed to operate safely in a variety of conditions, including high-altitude airports and warmer climates, ensuring consistent and dependable operation wherever your travels take you.

Engines and Speed

The dual Pratt & Whitney engines propel the King Air 350 to a cruising speed of over 300 knots (about 345 mph). This allows you to cover ground quickly, making it a practical choice for regional travel. You can easily fly from Los Angeles to Las Vegas or New York to Boston in about an hour. This speed, combined with the aircraft's overall efficiency, makes it a smart alternative to light jets for shorter routes. It provides a swift and smooth ride, minimizing your travel time so you can spend more time at your destination, whether it's for a critical business meeting or a well-deserved vacation.

Range and Altitude Capabilities

With the ability to fly up to 2,078 miles without stopping, the King Air 350 offers significant range for a turboprop. This allows for non-stop flights between cities like Chicago and Miami or Denver and Seattle. The aircraft can also climb to a maximum altitude of 35,000 feet, allowing it to fly above most weather systems and commercial air traffic. This results in a smoother, more direct flight path and reduces the likelihood of weather-related delays. These capabilities provide you with greater flexibility in your travel planning, opening up more destinations without the need for fuel stops.

Cabin and Capacity

Stepping inside the King Air 350, you'll find a cabin that feels surprisingly spacious and well-appointed. The interior is designed with passenger comfort as a top priority, featuring a layout that encourages both productivity and relaxation. The cabin's dimensions, approximately 4 feet 9 inches in height and 4 feet 6 inches in width, create an open and inviting atmosphere. The total cabin length is an impressive 19 feet 6 inches, providing ample room for passengers to stretch out. This focus on a comfortable and functional interior is a hallmark of the King Air experience, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to go.

Passenger Comfort and Layout

The standard configuration of the King Air 350 typically includes a double-club seating arrangement for eight passengers, plus a belted lavatory seat for a ninth passenger if needed. This layout is perfect for face-to-face conversations or collaborative work sessions during flight. The seats are fully adjustable, often with the ability to swivel and recline, allowing you to customize your space. Large, circular windows provide plenty of natural light and excellent views, while advanced soundproofing keeps the cabin quiet and serene. It’s a level of comfort and refinement you might expect from a larger jet, making every journey a pleasant one.

Baggage and Load Capacity

One of the standout features of the King Air 350 is its generous baggage capacity. With 72 square feet of luggage space, there's plenty of room for suitcases, golf clubs, ski equipment, and more. This is a significant advantage over many other aircraft in its class, where baggage space can be limited. This capacity means you don't have to compromise on what you bring with you, whether you're traveling for an extended business trip or a family vacation. The ability to carry a substantial load of both passengers and baggage adds to the aircraft's overall versatility and practicality.

Operational Flexibility

Beyond its impressive performance and comfortable cabin, the King Air 350 is renowned for its operational flexibility. This aircraft is not limited to major international airports; it can access thousands of smaller, regional airfields that are often closer to your final destination. This capability can save you significant time on the ground by avoiding the congestion of large airport hubs. This flexibility is a core reason why the King Air 350 is a valuable asset in any private aircraft fleet, offering access and convenience that many other aircraft simply can't match. It opens up a world of travel possibilities, putting you in control of your schedule.

Short Runway Access

A key element of the King Air 350's flexibility is its ability to operate from shorter runways. Thanks to its powerful engines and advanced wing design, it can take off and land on runways that are inaccessible to most jets. This opens up a vast network of smaller airports, allowing you to land closer to remote business sites, exclusive resorts, or private residences. This short-field capability is a significant advantage, providing unparalleled convenience and reducing ground travel time. It’s one of the main reasons the King Air 350 is a versatile choice for a wide range of travel needs.

Advanced Avionics and Cockpit

The King Air 350 is equipped with a modern, sophisticated flight deck. Most models feature the Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite, which provides pilots with intuitive, touchscreen controls and comprehensive flight information. This advanced technology enhances situational awareness and reduces pilot workload, contributing to the aircraft's excellent safety record. For passengers, this means you can fly with the confidence that your flight crew is supported by some of the best technology available. The advanced cockpit is a critical component of the aircraft's overall reliability and performance, ensuring a safe and efficient flight from takeoff to landing.

Understanding the Costs of a King Air 350

For those considering the move from chartering to owning an aircraft, the King Air 350 presents a compelling case. It offers an excellent blend of performance, reliability, and operating economics. However, understanding the financial commitment involved is a critical first step. The costs of ownership can be broken down into two main categories: the initial purchase price and the ongoing annual operating costs. While the figures can seem substantial, the value and convenience of having your own aircraft are often well worth the investment for frequent flyers. Exploring the path to aircraft ownership requires careful consideration of these financial aspects to ensure it aligns with your travel needs and budget.

Purchase Price: New vs. Pre-Owned

The first major expense is, of course, the acquisition of the aircraft itself. Like any major asset, you have the option to buy new or purchase a pre-owned model. A brand-new King Air 350i comes directly from the factory with the latest technology, a full warranty, and that unmistakable "new plane" smell. On the other hand, the pre-owned market offers a significant opportunity to acquire a well-maintained aircraft for a fraction of the cost. The right choice depends on your budget, your tolerance for potential maintenance issues, and your desire for the latest features. Both paths can lead to a rewarding ownership experience.

New King Air 350i Pricing

If you're looking to purchase a factory-fresh aircraft, a new King Air 350i typically costs about $8 million. This price gets you the most current version of the aircraft, complete with the latest avionics, a pristine interior customized to your specifications, and the full support of the manufacturer's warranty. Buying new eliminates the uncertainty of a pre-owned aircraft's history and ensures you benefit from all the most recent performance and comfort enhancements. For many buyers, the peace of mind and cutting-edge features that come with a new aircraft justify the premium price tag.

Pre-Owned Market Insights

The pre-owned market for the King Air 350 is robust, offering excellent value for savvy buyers. A used model that is six or seven years old can often be purchased for around $4 million to $4.5 million, representing a significant savings compared to buying new. While a pre-owned aircraft may require a more thorough pre-purchase inspection, many have been meticulously maintained by their previous owners. This market allows you to step into a highly capable aircraft for a much lower initial investment, making the dream of aircraft ownership accessible to a broader range of individuals and businesses.

Annual Operating Costs

Beyond the purchase price, owning an aircraft involves annual operating costs that keep it flying safely and efficiently. These expenses are typically divided into fixed costs, which you incur whether the plane flies or not, and variable costs, which are directly related to how much you use the aircraft. According to industry data, the total annual cost to own and operate a King Air 350 is approximately $1,264,455. This figure covers everything from hangar storage and insurance to fuel and maintenance. Understanding this budget is essential for a successful and sustainable ownership experience, ensuring there are no financial surprises down the road.

Fixed and Variable Expenses

Fixed costs include expenses like pilot salaries, hangar rental, insurance, and recurrent training for the crew. These are predictable costs that you will budget for annually. Variable costs, on the other hand, fluctuate with usage. This category includes fuel, engine maintenance reserves (often calculated on a per-hour basis), landing fees, and catering. The more you fly, the higher your variable costs will be. A clear understanding of both fixed and variable expenses is crucial for accurately forecasting your annual aviation budget and making informed decisions about your aircraft's use.

How Aircraft Management Simplifies Ownership

The complexities of managing these costs, along with the logistics of crewing, maintenance, and regulatory compliance, can be overwhelming. This is where professional aircraft management comes in. A dedicated management company handles all the operational details, from scheduling pilots and overseeing maintenance to negotiating fuel prices and ensuring all FAA regulations are met. This service transforms the ownership experience from a demanding job into a simple pleasure. By entrusting your asset to experts, you can enjoy all the benefits of private aircraft ownership without any of the administrative burdens, making it a truly seamless and turnkey solution. Hangar 7's aircraft management services are designed to provide exactly this kind of peace of mind.

Legendary Dependability

No consumer turbine airplane can compare with the durability and longevity of the King Air fleet, which is the bestselling turboprop family in the world. Between 1964 and December of 2020, nearly 7,600 King Air turboprops have been delivered worldwide (including over 440 of the King Air 350i in less than a decade). The Super King Air—an older designation for the 300-series—has been in continuous production since 1974, which stands as the longest production run among civilian turbine aircraft in its class. In fact, the King Air 350 has outlasted all previous competitors and the sole other pressurized twin-engine turboprop utility plane now in production is the Piaggio P-180 Avanti. 

This is an aircraft for charter travelers who put a premium on trust. The Beechcraft King Air fleet has amassed an incredible 62 million flight hours in 56 years of predictable, dependable service. As Flying Magazine put it back in 2007, “The Beechcraft King Air 350 is for people who want to make their airplane budget in ink, not pencil.”

Beechcraft King Air 350 Cost & Utilization Trends*

*Data as of March 2021. Based on the flight activity of in-operation aircraft.

More Than an Executive Aircraft

While the King Air 350 is a favorite for corporate travel, its capabilities extend far beyond the boardroom. Its design philosophy, often summarized as "One Aircraft, Many Missions," speaks to its incredible versatility. The cabin can be easily reconfigured for passengers, cargo, or even specialized medical transport. For personal trips, this means you have an aircraft that adapts to your needs. The generous space isn't just for comfortable seating; it easily accommodates bulky luggage like skis, golf clubs, or other special gear, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. This flexibility is a core reason why it's such a popular private charter aircraft, ready for any kind of journey you have in mind.

A Trusted Aircraft Across the Globe

When you choose an aircraft, you're choosing a partner in your travels, and trust is paramount. The King Air family has earned that trust over decades of predictable, dependable service. The impressive statistics on its performance and sales history translate directly into peace of mind for passengers. Flying on an aircraft with such a proven track record means you can relax with confidence, knowing it has safely completed millions of hours in skies all over the world. For travelers who value safety and reliability, the King Air 350’s legacy makes it a cornerstone of any trusted aircraft fleet.

Book a Beechcraft King Air 350 With Hangar 7 Aviation

Contact Hangar 7 Aviation and charter a King Air 350 turboprop for the best in efficiency, comfort, and performance on a light charter aircraft. No other turbine airplane can compare to the payload, speed, range, and flexibility of this popular workhorse model. Our agents are excited to work with you on custom travel arrangements that will make your charter flight simple, fast, and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I choose a King Air 350 turboprop over a light jet? That's a great question and one that many savvy travelers ask. For those essential short-to-mid-range flights, the King Air 350 provides a remarkably similar experience to a light jet in terms of cabin comfort and space. However, it often comes with better operating economics and one major advantage: flexibility. Its ability to land on shorter runways means it can get you closer to your final destination by accessing thousands of smaller airports that are off-limits to most jets.

How many passengers can the King Air 350 carry, and is there enough room for luggage? The King Air 350 is typically configured for eight passengers in a comfortable double-club seating arrangement, with an additional belted seat in the lavatory if needed for a ninth person. One of its most celebrated features is the generous baggage capacity. You'll find there's plenty of room for suitcases, and you won't have to leave your golf clubs or ski equipment behind, which is a common issue on other aircraft in its class.

The King Air has been around for a while. Is it still a modern and safe aircraft? Its long history is actually one of its greatest strengths, as it speaks to a proven, reliable, and successful design. The King Air 350 has been continuously updated to stay at the forefront of aviation. Modern versions feature sophisticated glass cockpits with advanced avionics that enhance pilot awareness and overall safety. Paired with cabin enhancements for a quieter, more comfortable ride, it remains a top-tier aircraft that you can fly in with complete confidence.

What kind of trips is the King Air 350 best for? This aircraft truly excels at regional travel, making it perfect for multi-city business trips or weekend getaways. It can comfortably handle non-stop flights between cities like Chicago and Miami or Denver and Seattle. Its real superpower, though, is accessing remote locations. Whether you're heading to an exclusive resort, a remote business site, or a private residence with a smaller airfield, the King Air 350 can get you there directly, saving you valuable time on the ground.

I'm interested in owning a King Air 350, but the logistics seem complex. What are my options? You're right to consider the details. Owning an aircraft involves managing everything from crew and maintenance to insurance and operating budgets. While it sounds like a lot, you don't have to handle it alone. This is precisely why professional aircraft management services exist. A dedicated management team takes care of all the operational complexities, transforming the experience into one of simple, turnkey ownership. Your only job is to decide where you want to go.

Key Takeaways

• A Versatile Performer with Jet-Like Comfort: The King Air 350 combines the cost-efficiency and short-runway access of a turboprop with a spacious, quiet cabin that rivals many light jets, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of trips.
• Aircraft Ownership is Within Reach: With a strong pre-owned market and the support of professional aircraft management services, owning a highly capable aircraft like the King Air 350 is more straightforward and accessible than you might think.
• Fly with Proven Confidence: The King Air family's legacy is built on millions of flight hours and decades of reliable service, giving you peace of mind knowing you're flying on one of the most trusted aircraft in private aviation.

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