The latest twin-turboprop aircraft from Textron Aviation, the Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER and King Air 260, have been granted certification from the National Civil Aviation Authority of Brazil (ANAC). The move enables deliveries to start in Brazil this quarter.
“The Beechcraft King Air’s operational versatility is its key selling point in Brazil and around the globe,” said Marcelo Moreira, vice president of sales, Latin America. “The King Air is a high-performance turboprop that can operate in almost any environment, from large metropolitan airports to short unprepared strips, which is why the aircraft is so popular in this region of the world.”
With nearly 500 King Air turboprops operating throughout the country, Brazil has the second-largest active fleet of King Airs outside of the USA. The aircraft is a popular choice for owners in large metropolitan areas to connect with remote farms or factories in the interior of the country, as well as reaching vacation getaways or international locations.
“The Beechcraft reputation for quality and robustness, along with the combination of efficiency and advanced technology in the cockpit and cabin, ensure the latest King Air models meet nearly all of the needs of an owner with one aircraft,” said Moreira.
The King Air 360/360ER and 260 models represent the latest generation of the King Air turboprop family.
In the King Air 360/360ER cockpit, additions include the IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle and a digital pressurisation controller. The aircraft also has a lower cabin altitude at the aircraft’s certified ceiling of 35,000ft.
There are six interior schemes to choose from for the King Air 360 cabin. The interior features craftsman-built cabinetry, partitions and side ledges. Standard amenities on the King Air line-up include pull-out worktables, power outlets, USB charging stations and a private aft lavatory.
The King Air 260 is also equipped with the IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle system, and digital cabin pressurisation. The aircraft now also features the Collins Multi-Scan RTA-4112 weather radar.
The new King Air turboprops were introduced in 2020, with the Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER achieving US FAA certification in October 2020 and the King Air 260 in March 2021.
Nearly 7,600 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered to customers around the world since 1964. The worldwide fleet has surpassed 62 million flight hours in its 57 years, serving roles in all branches of the US military and flying both commercial and special-mission roles around the world.
