It’s always a joy to see general and business aviation growing throughout the world, especially when the KingAir is involved! This week, Beechcraft is set to display five KingAir aircraft at AERO Friedrichshafen in Germany. Germany is the leader in the European business aviation market, having the highest number of business aircraft in Europe and the fifth largest aircraft fleet in the world. In the business turboprop category specifically, KingAir is the leader!
See the full release from Beechcraft below:
WICHITA, Kan. (April 23, 2013) – Beechcraft Corporation is emphasizing its role as a leader in the European business aviation market, particularly in Germany, by displaying five aircraft at AERO Friedrichshafen April 24-27. In Germany – home of Europe’s largest business aircraft fleet – King Airs own a market-leading 37 percent share of the business turboprop market.
The company’s static exhibit at Friedrichshafen Airport will include a King Air 350i, King Air 350ER special mission demonstrator, King Air C90GTx, Baron G58 and Bonanza G36. AERO Friedrichshafen is the largest light aviation and general aviation air show in Europe.
“Germany has one of the biggest economies in the world and is one of the most influential in the European Union,” said Scott Plumb, Beechcraft vice president of sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Not surprisingly, Germany also continues to be a growing market for business aviation.”
According to JetNet, Germany has the highest number of business aircraft in Europe and the fifth largest business aircraft fleet in the world after the U.S., Brazil, Mexico and Canada. The industry data reveals that the number of business aircraft in Germany grew from 293 in 2002 to 621 in 2012 – an increase of 112 percent.
Analysis of this data also shows the number of turboprops delivered to Germany during the five-year span 2007-2011 was 172 percent higher than during the period 2002-2006. Comparing the same five-year timeframes, Beechcraft’s deliveries of King Airs into Germany grew from 6 to 24.
“Germany’s positioning in the heart of Europe means that the majority of business flights across the continent are shorter distance but higher frequency – missions of which turboprops are ideally suited, Plumb said. “This, along with the King Airs’ ability to take off and land on shorter runways and their overall operating costs, show why business leaders and charter companies throughout the country continue to choose this proven aircraft family.”
More than 7,000 King Air turboprops are operated in 127 countries around the world and have surpassed 60 million total flight hours. King Airs serve a variety of missions ranging from traditional transport of personnel and high-value cargo, to electronic and imagery surveillance, air ambulance, airway calibration, photographic mapping, training and weather modification. The line of twin-engine turboprops began production in 1964 and is the best-selling business aircraft family in the world, with each model building on a reputation of proven performance.