Today at the Farnborough International Air-show, Beechcraft Corporation, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation Inc., announced the delivery of the first of four Beechcraft King Air 350ER aircraft ordered by the Mexican Navy Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR). In addition to the aircraft, Beechcraft will support SEMAR with on-the-ground service, support, and training through its Global Mission Support organization. The remaining three aircraft will be delivered by the second quarter of 2015.
Rear Admiral Jose Marie Macedo, Director General of Naval Aviation Operations, visited the company’s headquarters in Wichita, Kansas to accept aircraft delivery, which will be stationed at the naval base in Veracruz. Vice president of Special Missions, Dan Keady said,
“SEMAR recognizes the Beechcraft King Air as a cost-effective and reliable partner for special missions work within the country. The Mexican Navy operated a King Air C90 in the past and it’s great to see the King Air family return to its fleet. The delivery of the King Air 350ER further expands the Beechcraft relationship with SEMAR, which earlier this year placed an initial order for two T-6C+ military trainers.”
The Textron Aviation display includes a specially modified Beechcraft King Air 350ER, which is operated out of Northern Europe. It is fitted with a unique and flexible mission package that supports search and rescue, fishery inspection, pollution monitoring, and seaway/shipping lane surveillance missions. The King Air 350ER was selected for these missions due to its high dash speeds, long endurance, high reliability, and low operating cost.