Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Beechcraft King Air 200, 250, and 260 Series

Beechcraft King Air 300, 350, and 360 series

Chad Trautvetter

Not only is the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/airshow-convention-news/sun-n-fun-aerospace-expo-202">Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo</a> marking its 50th anniversary, but Textron Aviation is also celebrating 60 years of Beechcraft King Airs this week at the Lakeland, Florida airshow. The Wichita-based aircraft manufacturer is displaying its flagship King Air 360 along with a Cessna Skyhawk, Turbo Skylane, Turbo Stationair, Caravan, and Citation M2 Gen 2 during the six-day show, which closes on April 14.
“Since its introduction in 1964, the legendary Beechcraft King Air turboprop has become synonymous with unwavering reliability, exceptional performance, and unparalleled versatility, earning the trust and preference of operators worldwide,” Textron Aviation said. “Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it inspires aviation enthusiasts and pilots to maximize the potential of their missions while fueling their passion for flight.”
The first King Air 90 prototype took to the skies on Jan. 24, 1964, followed by a short 10-month flight test schedule which concluded with service entry that October. That was followed by the derivative King Air 100, 200, and 300 series. King Air 90-series turboprop twins were in continuous production from 1964 <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2021-03-08/textron-aviations-king-air-90-citation-sovereign-end">until 2021</a>. Textron Aviation still produces the larger King Air 260 and 360.
According to the company, King Airs “excel in a multitude of scenarios, whether it's taking off from rugged dirt runways, accessing remote and challenging locations across the globe, supporting philanthropic missions, or embarking on extraordinary journeys.”
More than 7,700 of the turboprop twins have been delivered worldwide, with the fleet surpassing 64 million flight hours.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Textron Aviation Celebrates 60 Years of Beechcraft King Airs

First King Air 90 prototype flew on Jan. 24, 1964

Textron Aviation is celebrating 60 years of Beechcraft King Airs this week at the 2024 Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo, where it is showing its flagship King Air 360.

Textron Aviation Celebrates 60 Years of King Airs

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

James Wang discusses his perspective on the future of the eVTOL industry.

eVTOL Aircraft Pioneer Leads University Initiative To Advance Singapore’s Aerospace Capability

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Florida, Texas, and California led in activity

Argus: Biz Aircraft Activity Climbs in 47 U.S. States in 2025

Scott Hamilton

Bjorn Fehrm

Hanneke Weitering

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Sun n Fun Aerospace Expo 2024

In this article

King Air 90/100 Series

King Air 200 Series

King Air 300 Series

Textron Aviation

Hawker Beechcraft

More In Aircraft

eVTOL Aircraft Pioneer Leads University Initiative To Advance Singapore’s Aerospace Capability

James Wang discusses his perspective on the future of the eVTOL industry.

Argus: Biz Aircraft Activity Climbs in 47 U.S. States in 2025

Florida, Texas, and California led in activity

JetZero and Natilus Pitch BWB Alternatives to Airbus, Boeing Narrowbodies

Engine selection, range, and production plans face scrutiny

Aircraft Researchers Group Offers Networking for the Aviation Sales Community

Members share data with each other about the market.

Bombardier’s Martel Sees Resolution for Gulfstream Certs

Trump had threatened to pull Bombardier certificates unless Gulfstream products receive Transport Canada nod

AircraftPost Launches Bizjet Operating Cost Tool

Leverages 20 years of data to provide insights into actual aircraft usage by make and model

With Deliveries and Revenues Up, Bombardier Completes Turnaround

Company handed over 157 business jets in 2025

ST Engineering Aims For Cargo Use Cases With DrN-600 Drone

The aircraft could be used for ship to ship, oil rig, or inter-island delivery.

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN