Beechcraft King Air 350i Charter: Executive Turboprop Solutions for Business Travel
The Beechcraft King Air 350i stands out as one of the most reliable and versatile turboprops for private charter flights. If you’re searching for a cost-effective way to reach regional destinations or airports with shorter runways, this aircraft really hits the sweet spot between comfort, performance, and efficiency.
The King Air 350i accommodates 8-9 passengers in a spacious cabin and can access runways that larger jets just can’t reach. It’s ideal for both business and leisure trips.
This twin-engine turboprop pairs modern avionics with a quiet cabin, so you get the reliability of a proven aircraft design plus updated tech and comfort.
If you need to reach remote spots or just want a more economical charter for shorter hops, the King Air 350i is up to the task. The FlexCabin system and noise-reduction features make the flying experience surprisingly comfortable—honestly, it rivals pricier jet options for regional trips.
Key Takeaways
- The King Air 350i is a twin-engine turboprop that seats 8-9 passengers and lands on short runways.
- It features modern cabin management, flexible seating, and reduced noise for comfort.
- This charter delivers reliable performance and advanced avionics while keeping costs in check for regional and business travel.
Benefits of Choosing King Air 350i for Charter
The King Air 350i offers practical perks for charter passengers. It can access tough airports, keeps pricing reasonable, and is just plain efficient.
These features work for both business and personal trips.
Business and Leisure Applications
The King Air 350i serves both business and personal travel needs with equal ease. For business, you get a double-club cabin that seats up to nine, so your team can actually work or hold meetings en route.
This setup is great for corporate travel between regional cities. You’ll get there much faster than by car, and you skip the headaches of commercial airline schedules.
For leisure, the King Air 350i gives you flexibility for vacation planning. The roomy cabin is comfortable for families or groups, and you can bring more luggage than most commercial flights allow.
That’s a big plus if your trip involves golf clubs, ski gear, or just lots of stuff.
Short Runway and Remote Access Capabilities
The King Air 350i operates from runways as short as 3,300 feet. That opens up a lot of smaller regional airports that bigger jets can’t use.
You can land closer to your actual destination, instead of getting stuck at a major airport miles away.
The turboprop design offers excellent performance on short runways. You can reach mountain resorts, islands, and rural business locations that are tough to access with other aircraft.
This flexibility is a real asset if you need to hit multiple locations in a day. Using smaller airports cuts down on ground travel and boosts your productivity.
Competitive Charter Rates and Value
Chartering a King Air 350i usually costs less per hour than a light jet. The mix of comfort and cost-effectiveness makes it a smart pick for regional flights.
You get solid value, especially when you divide the hourly rate among up to nine passengers. That’s more than many smaller aircraft can handle.
For trips under 1,000 miles, the King Air 350i nails the balance between cost and travel time. You get jet-like speeds for way less money.
Low Operating Costs and Fuel Efficiency
The King Air 350i burns less fuel than comparable jets. Turboprop engines just work better at the altitudes and distances where most regional trips happen.
This efficiency means lower charter costs for you.
Operating costs stay manageable thanks to proven engine tech and reliable systems. The PT6A-60A engines have a solid reputation for dependability.
Maintenance needs are lower, so operators can keep pricing competitive.
With a range of about 1,800 nautical miles, you can fly nonstop on many regional routes. That means fewer fuel stops and more time at your destination.
Cabin Features and Passenger Experience
The King Air 350i offers a refined cabin that’s both comfortable and functional for business travelers. There’s advanced noise reduction, flexible seating, and modern touches that make it easy to get work done at altitude.
Double Club Seating and FlexCabin System
The Beechcraft King Air 350i features a spacious double-club cabin for up to nine passengers. Seats face each other, making conversation and meetings easy.
The FlexCabin system lets you reconfigure the layout without tools or hassle. You can tweak the setup for more seats or extra cargo space, depending on what you need.
Hideaway executive tables fold out when you want them and disappear when you don’t. Each seat has outlets for your devices, and LED lights help you work or relax.
Reduced Cabin Noise Technology
The King Air 350i includes built-in vibration absorbers that knock down outside noise. These absorb engine and wind sounds before they reach the cabin.
That means you can have normal conversations without yelling. It’s honestly a relief, especially on longer flights.
Less noise also cuts down on fatigue, so you arrive feeling fresher.
Private Lavatory and Refreshment Center
There’s a private lav at the rear of the cabin. It’s enclosed, with actual privacy, which is always appreciated.
The refreshment center keeps snacks and drinks handy. You can grab what you want, when you want, without waiting for someone to serve you.
That little bit of self-service goes a long way for comfort.
Cabin Management System and Connectivity
The Rockwell Collins Venue integrated cabin management system lets you control lighting, temperature, and entertainment right from your seat.
You can adjust the cabin environment to your liking throughout the flight. The system feels modern and ties in nicely with the rest of the aircraft’s features.
It’s a small thing, but it makes working or relaxing onboard a lot easier.
Performance and Technical Specifications
The King Air 350i delivers reliable performance thanks to strong turboprop engines and smart aerodynamics. You can hit shorter runways and still get impressive range and speed for a twin turboprop.
Engines and Propulsion
The King Air 350i runs on two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-60A engines. Each engine puts out 1,050 shaft horsepower, so you’ve got plenty of thrust for regional trips.
Four-blade Hartzell propellers keep things smooth and efficient. The PT6A-60A engines have a reputation for being reliable and fuel-efficient.
With two engines, you get redundancy and an extra layer of safety. The PT6A series has powered thousands of planes, so you’re in good company.
Runway and Weight Capabilities
The aircraft uses retractable tricycle landing gear with dual-wheel main units. That helps spread out the weight and lets you operate on a variety of runway surfaces.
Maximum takeoff weight is about 15,000 pounds. You can land on runways as short as 3,300 feet, so regional airports are definitely in play.
Key weight specs:
- Maximum ramp weight: 15,100 lbs
- Maximum landing weight: 14,000 lbs
- Useful load: Around 5,100 lbs
Fowler flaps boost lift for takeoff and landing. This design shortens the runway distance you need, which is a real plus.
Range, Speed, and Altitude
The King Air 350i has a range of 1,806 nautical miles. Nonstop flights between many regional cities are totally doable.
Cruise speed hits 312 knots (359 mph). The aircraft climbs to a max altitude of 35,000 feet, so you fly above most weather.
Performance at a glance:
- Maximum cruise speed: 312 knots
- Maximum range: 1,806 nm
- Service ceiling: 35,000 feet
- Rate of climb: 2,730 feet per minute
The pressurized cabin keeps things comfortable at high altitudes. Optional winglets can stretch your range and improve fuel efficiency a bit more.
Avionics and Flight Deck Innovations
The King Air 350i features the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics suite. This modern flight deck gives pilots digital displays and integrated flight management that really boost safety and efficiency.
Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Suite
The Pro Line Fusion avionics system is the top-tier option for the King Air 350i. It includes three 14-inch high-res touchscreen displays that you can swap around and control by touch.
Pro Line 21 avionics give you an intuitive interface for flight info, navigation, and aircraft systems. GPS, weather radar, traffic alerts, and terrain awareness all show up on the same screens.
Key Features:
- Full-color digital displays
- Integrated flight management
- Synthetic vision tech
- ADS-B capability
Historical ProLine II Avionics
Earlier King Air 350s came with the Rockwell Collins ProLine II avionics suite. It was the standard before the 350i.
ProLine II used older display tech and wasn’t as integrated as today’s systems. It worked for its time, but it didn’t have touchscreens or as many safety features.
A lot of operators have since upgraded older King Airs with glass cockpits like the Garmin G1000 NXi to keep up with current requirements.
Enhanced Safety and Pilot Features
The avionics in your King Air 350i charter enhance safety and situational awareness. Real-time weather, traffic alerts, and terrain warnings show up right on the primary displays.
WAAS LPV approach capability lets you land at thousands of airports without traditional instrument landing systems. Synthetic vision gives a 3D view of terrain and obstacles, even in lousy visibility.
All of this cuts pilot workload and helps the crew make better decisions.
Model Variants and Special Configurations
The King Air 350 family has several variants for different missions, from passenger comfort to hauling cargo. Each version offers specific features—think reinforced floors, larger doors, or extra fuel capacity—to match your operational needs.
King Air 350i and 350
The King Air 350i is an upgraded version of the original King Air 350. The 350i adds better avionics, improved environmental systems, and more noise reduction, but keeps the same basic airframe.
Both seat eight to nine passengers. The 350i stands out for its advanced tech and modern cockpit, but the main performance numbers are pretty much the same.
The original 350 (once called the Super King Air 350 before 1996) was an improved King Air 300, with a cabin nearly three feet longer than its predecessor.
Model B300C and Cargo Doors
The Model B300C variant comes with a big cargo door on the left side of the fuselage. You can load oversized cargo, equipment, or palletized freight through this door—stuff that just won't fit through the usual passenger doors.
The B300C still seats the same number of passengers as the standard models when set up for people. You can switch the interior over to cargo mode pretty quickly.
The cabin floor is reinforced to handle heavier loads. The cargo door itself is much larger than the regular entry doors.
This variant is a favorite for operators who need to flip between passenger and freight missions. Think medical evacuations, equipment hauls, or even a mix of people and cargo.
350ER Extended Range and Belly Cargo Pod
The 350ER gives you extra fuel capacity for those longer trips. With this extended range, you can fly farther without stopping to refuel, which definitely opens up more options than the standard 350.
Some King Air 350s have a belly cargo pod mounted under the fuselage. That pod lets you carry more cargo without taking away cabin space from your passengers.
It's a handy setup when you need to bring both people and a lot of gear or luggage on the same flight.
Baggage Capacity and Practical Considerations
The King Air 350i offers several storage options that make it practical for business or longer journeys. Heated baggage compartments and external storage give you flexibility for all sorts of cargo or equipment.
Heated and Accessible Baggage Compartments
The King Air 350i features a main baggage compartment that can fit up to 10 bags, as long as each is under 5 cubic feet. The heated storage keeps your stuff protected even when it's freezing outside at altitude.
You can get to the main baggage compartment from inside the cabin during flight. If you need something mid-air, you don't have to wait until you land.
The heated design helps with temperature-sensitive items like electronics, medications, or perishables. The compartment sits behind the passenger cabin, so loading and unloading is pretty straightforward on the ground.
Pilots or ground crew can handle baggage through the external access door while you board through the main cabin entrance.
Nacelle Wing Lockers and External Storage
There are extra storage lockers in the nacelles on each engine. They're great for equipment, tools, or bulky stuff that just doesn't fit in the main cabin.
The wing lockers really shine during specialized missions. You might stash medical gear for ambulance flights or survey equipment for aerial photography.
Each locker is accessible from outside the business turboprop. These external compartments don't eat into your passenger space inside.
The dual-wheel main landing gear and sturdy design let the plane handle the extra weight without much fuss.
Comparison to Other Turboprop Aircraft
The Beechcraft King Air 350i offers more baggage space than a lot of other turboprops in its class. You get a 10-bag main compartment, which is more than the smaller King Air models can handle.
Having both internal and external storage gives you flexibility that single-compartment aircraft don't. Some turboprops might have similar cabin space, but few match the King Air 350's total storage when you count the wing lockers.
The heated baggage compartment is a big plus over economy turboprops with just unheated cargo holds. You get cargo protection close to what you'd expect from a larger business jet, but with the efficiency and runway versatility of a turboprop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Charter costs for the King Air 350i usually run between $2,000 and $6,600 per hour, depending on a bunch of factors. The plane seats up to eight and has cabin upgrades over the standard 350.
How much does it cost to charter a King Air 350i?
The average cost to charter a King Air 350i is about $2,000 to $2,500 per hour. That makes it a pretty accessible option if you're considering a turboprop charter.
You might see higher rates, though, depending on your route and timing. Some operators quote up to $6,600 per hour, especially for certain cities or peak travel times.
What is the typical hourly rate to charter a King Air?
Hourly rates for King Air charters depend on the model and operator. For the 350 and 350i, expect to pay around $3,950 per hour on average across the U.S.
Some services offer rates starting at $2,000 per hour for basic flights. Premium services or busy seasons can push prices up to $4,300 or even $6,600.
What factors most affect the total cost of a King Air charter flight?
Where you depart from has a big effect on the total cost. Your destination matters too.
Your schedule impacts availability and pricing. The distance you fly determines fuel costs and how long you're in the air.
Other things like aircraft positioning fees, if the plane has to get to your airport, can add up. Overnight crew expenses and landing fees at certain airports might also show up on your bill.
How many passengers can the King Air 350i seat comfortably with luggage?
The King Air 350i seats up to eight passengers comfortably. Some cabin layouts can squeeze in a ninth seat.
There's enough luggage space for business or leisure trips. You can bring carry-ons and checked bags without cramping anyone's style.
What is the difference between the King Air 350 and the 350i?
The 350i is the latest version of the King Air 350. It comes with the Rockwell Collins Venue integrated cabin management system for better in-flight controls.
You'll also get the Beechcraft FlexCabin system, which makes rearranging the cabin easier. The 350i is noticeably quieter inside than the standard 350.
All these upgrades are about passenger comfort and convenience, not performance changes. The focus is really on making the ride smoother and more customizable.
What is the typical range and flight time capability for a King Air 350i on common routes?
The King Air 350i offers pretty solid range for regional travel. You can usually fly nonstop between a lot of city pairs within North America.
Charter flights often include hops to Mexico City and plenty of other spots that fit within its range. Its turboprop setup means you get efficient performance on short and medium-length trips.
The 350i really shines on routes that need short runway access. You can reach airports that bigger jets just can't, and you still get respectable speed and range.
