Turboprop - Twin Engine
Beechcraft King Air 260: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
Beechcraft (Textron Aviation)
Beechcraft King Air 260: Complete Specs, Performance, and Buyer's Guide (2026)
The Beechcraft King Air 260, in production since 2020, is Beechcraft's direct successor to the King Air 250 (2011-2020) and the current production member of the iconic King Air 200 series. Announced by Textron Aviation on December 2, 2020, the King Air 260 received FAA certification in March 2021 and EASA certification in September 2021. The King Air 260 features substantial modernization vs King Air 250 including the new Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle as standard equipment (industry-leading for class, also available as $88,500+ aftermarket upgrade through Textron Aviation Service facilities), digital pressurization controller (replacing analog gauges with digital inputs/readouts integrated on Pro Line Fusion multifunction display), Collins MultiScan RTA-4112 weather radar (operating automatically, sensing precipitation contours, mapping turbulence, suppressing ground clutter at 320 nm range), Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics suite with three 14-inch touchscreen displays (full touch + point-and-click navigation), CoolView windows, completely redesigned cabin with reshaped cabinetry + resculpted sidewalls + new seat design using pressure-mapping technology. Powered by the same proven two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 engines as King Air 250 (each producing 850 shp), the King Air 260 reaches 310 knots (357 mph / 574 km/h) max cruise speed and 1,720 nm range. Service ceiling 35,000 ft. 12,500 lb MTOW (Part 23 normal-category exactly). 8,830 lb basic empty weight, 3,760 lb useful load, 2,170 lb max payload. Hartzell 4-blade composite constant-speed auto-feathering propellers. Single-pilot certified. Cabin: 16 ft 8 in long, 4 ft 9 in tall, 4 ft 6 in wide, accommodates up to 9 passengers. 55.3 cu ft baggage capacity. Climb rate 2,437 ft/min. Takeoff distance 2,111 ft, landing distance 2,845 ft. Length 43 ft 10 in, height 14 ft 10 in, wingspan 57 ft 11 in. Fuel consumption 138 GPH at $6.28/gal = $867/hr fuel cost. Hourly operating cost $1,563/hr to $2,500/hr (variable estimated). 2021 MSRP: $7.05M. 2020 announcement base price: $6.7M. Typical purchase price per Guardian Jet: $8.125M. Annual operating cost at 300 hours per Guardian Jet: $528,267 total. Charter rate $2,200-$2,500/hr.
For operators wanting Beechcraft's current production modernization of the iconic King Air 200 series platform with substantial improvements over King Air 250 (factory-standard IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle automatically managing engine power from takeoff through climb + cruise + descent + go-around + landing for substantially reduced pilot workload, digital pressurization controller, modern Collins MultiScan RTA-4112 weather radar at 320 nm range with turbulence detection, modern Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics with three 14-inch touchscreen displays, redesigned cabin with CoolView windows + pressure-mapping technology seats), single-pilot certification at Part 23 normal-category 12,500 lb MTOW (no type rating required), and the latest variant of the world's most popular business turboprop (nearly 7,600 King Airs delivered since 1964 per Textron), the King Air 260 represents Beechcraft's current production flagship twin-turboprop.
Beechcraft King Air 260 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Turboprop - Twin Engine |
| Production Status | Active production (2020-Present) |
| Designation | Beechcraft King Air 260 |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft (Textron Aviation subsidiary) |
| Family Heritage | King Air 200 series (continuous production since 1974) |
| Announcement | December 2, 2020 |
| FAA Certification | March 2021 |
| EASA Certification | September 2021 |
| First Deliveries | First half of 2021 |
| Predecessor | King Air 250 |
| Industry Distinction | Direct King Air 250 successor |
| Industry Distinction | Factory-standard IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle |
| Industry Distinction | Three 14-inch touchscreen Pro Line Fusion displays |
| Industry Distinction | Digital pressurization controller |
| Industry Distinction | Collins MultiScan RTA-4112 weather radar (320 nm range) |
| Industry Distinction | Pressure-mapping technology cabin seats |
| Industry Distinction | Part of world's best-selling business turboprop family |
| Crew | 1 pilot (single-pilot certified, no type rating required) |
| Passengers (Typical) | Up to 9 |
| Passengers (Commonly Configured) | 6-7 (four-place club + airstair-door seat + belted lavatory seat) |
| MTOW | 12,500 lb (Part 23 normal-category exactly) |
| Basic Empty Weight | 8,830 lb |
| Useful Load | 3,760 lb |
| Maximum Payload | 2,170 lb |
| Engines | 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 turboprops |
| Shaft Horsepower per Engine | 850 shp |
| Engine TBO | 3,600 hours |
| Propellers | Hartzell 4-blade composite constant-speed auto-feathering |
| Climb Rate | 2,437 ft/min |
| Avionics | Collins Pro Line Fusion (three 14-inch touchscreen displays) |
| Avionics Features | Touch + point-and-click navigation, synthetic vision, weather, advanced comms |
| Autothrottle | IS&S ThrustSense (standard equipment) |
| ThrustSense Aftermarket Upgrade | $88,500+ via Textron Aviation Service facilities |
| Pressurization | Digital pressurization controller (replacing analog gauges) |
| Weather Radar | Collins MultiScan RTA-4112 (automatic, 320 nm range, turbulence detection) |
| Windows | CoolView windows |
| Connectivity | Modern options available |
| Max Range (per Globalair, Aviation Week) | 1,720 nm (3,185 km) |
| Max Cruise Speed | 310 knots (357 mph / 574 km/h) |
| Max Operating Altitude | 35,000 ft |
| Cabin Length | 16 ft 8 in (5.1 m) |
| Cabin Height | 4 ft 9 in (57 in / 1.4 m) |
| Cabin Width | 4 ft 6 in (54 in / 1.37 m) |
| Aircraft Length | 43 ft 10 in (13.4 m) |
| Aircraft Height | 14 ft 10 in (4.5 m) |
| Wingspan | 57 ft 11 in (17.65 m) |
| Baggage Capacity | 55.3 cu ft (1.57 cu m) |
| Takeoff Distance (Sea Level) | 2,111 ft |
| Landing Distance | 2,845 ft |
| Fuel Consumption (Guardian Jet) | 138 GPH |
| Fuel Cost (Guardian Jet at $6.28/gal) | $867/hr |
| Maintenance (Guardian Jet 5-Year Avg) | $499/hr |
| Engine Program (Guardian Jet) | $197/hr |
| Total Variable Cost (Guardian Jet) | $1,563/hr |
| Total Variable Cost (Estimated High) | $2,500/hr |
| Charter Rate | $2,200 to $2,500/hr |
| 2020 Announcement Base Price | $6,700,000 |
| 2021 MSRP | $7,050,000 |
| Typical Purchase Price (Guardian Jet) | $8,125,000 |
| Annual Operating Cost (300 hr per Guardian Jet) | $528,267 |
| Annual Fixed Costs (per Guardian Jet) | $59,355 |
History as the Modern King Air 200 Series Successor
The King Air 260 represents Beechcraft's strategic decision to modernize the King Air 250 platform with factory-standard advanced cockpit improvements.
Platform timeline:
- 1974: Original Super King Air 200 enters production
- 2007: B200GT introduced (PT6A-52 engines, Pro Line 21 avionics)
- 2011: King Air 250 introduced (factory winglets + composite scimitar props + ram air)
- December 2, 2020: King Air 260 announced (Textron Aviation)
- March 2021: FAA certification
- September 2021: EASA certification
- First half of 2021: Customer deliveries begin
- Present: Active production
Per Textron Aviation: "Nearly 7,600 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered to customers worldwide since 1964, making it the best-selling business turboprop range in the world. The global fleet has logged more than 62 million flight hours."
Why the King Air 260 Is the Modern Production King Air 200 Series
The King Air 260 introduced substantial cockpit improvements over the predecessor King Air 250:
1. Factory-Standard IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle
The defining King Air 260 advantage:
- Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S): Modern integrated
- Automatic engine power management: Takeoff through landing
- Pilot selects airspeed on Pro Line Fusion: Modern
- ThrustSense adjusts power levers automatically: Industry-leading
- Precise airspeed control without manual input: Premium
- Overspeed/underspeed protection: Modern
- Substantially reduced pilot workload: Industry-leading
- Aftermarket: $88,500+ for King Air 200 series with Pro Line Fusion: Premium retrofit
2. Digital Pressurization Controller
- Replaces analog gauges with digital inputs/readouts: Modern
- Visible on Pro Line Fusion multifunction display: Premium integration
- Automatically schedules cabin pressure on climb + descent: Industry-leading
- Substantially reduced pilot workload: Modern
- Increased passenger comfort: Premium positioning
3. Collins MultiScan RTA-4112 Weather Radar
- Automatic operation: Industry-leading
- Senses precipitation contours: Modern
- Maps turbulence: Premium positioning
- Suppresses ground clutter: Industry-leading
- 320 nautical mile range: Premium
- Turbulence detection technology: Modern wellness
4. Three 14-Inch Touchscreen Pro Line Fusion Displays
- First full touchscreen flight display system: Industry-leading for class
- Touch + point-and-click navigation: Modern
- Premium pilot interface: Industry-leading
- Synthetic vision: Modern
- Enhanced situational awareness: Premium positioning
- Modern flight management: Integrated
5. Redesigned Cabin
- Reshaped cabinetry: Modern
- Resculpted sidewalls: Premium positioning
- New seat design with pressure-mapping technology: Industry-leading
- More comfort especially on longer flights: Premium positioning
- Greater sense of openness: Modern wellness
- Modern fit + finish: Industry-leading
6. CoolView Windows
- New modern windows: Premium
- Enhanced cabin natural light: Industry-leading
- Modern customization: Premium positioning
7. Same Proven PT6A-52 Engines + Performance Heritage
- Same 850 shp engines as King Air 250: Established proven
- Same 310 knot cruise speed: Premium positioning
- Same 1,720 nm range: Industry-leading
- Same 35,000 ft ceiling: Premium
- Hartzell 4-blade composite propellers: Modern
- 2,437 ft/min climb rate: Industry-leading
8. Same Industry-Distinct Part 23 Normal-Category
- 12,500 lb MTOW exactly: Modern positioning
- No type rating required: Industry-leading
- Single-pilot certified: Premium
- Premium operating economics: Modern
Cabin Interior
The King Air 260 cabin features substantial redesign with modern enhancements:
| Cabin Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Cabin Length | 16 ft 8 in (5.1 m) |
| Cabin Height | 4 ft 9 in (57 in / 1.4 m) |
| Cabin Width | 4 ft 6 in (54 in / 1.37 m) |
| Baggage Capacity | 55.3 cu ft (1.57 cu m) |
Standard Configuration
- Up to 9 Passengers: Premium positioning
- Typically Configured for 6-7 Passengers: Premium standard
- Four-Place Club Seating: Premium social (with work tables)
- Airstair-Door Seat (Single Forward-Facing): Standard
- Belted Lavatory Seat (Rear): Standard
- Rear Semi-Enclosed Lavatory: Standard
- Pull-Out Work Tables: Modern
- Power Outlets: Standard
- USB Charging Stations: Modern
- Aft Lavatory: Standard
Cabin Features
- Reshaped cabinetry (vs King Air 250): Modern
- Resculpted sidewalls (vs King Air 250): Premium
- Pressure-mapping technology seats: Industry-leading
- CoolView windows: Modern
- Beechcraft signature square-oval cabin: Industry-distinct
- Generous head and shoulder room: Premium
- Finely crafted seats (laterally track, swivel, recline): Premium
- Greater sense of openness vs King Air 250: Premium positioning
- Modern interior: Industry-leading
- Premium fit + finish: Industry-leading
- Modern entertainment options: Standard
- Modern soundproofing: Premium acoustics
Performance
Speed and Range
| Performance Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cruise Speed | 310 knots (357 mph / 574 km/h) |
| Max Range (per Globalair) | 1,720 nm (3,185 km) |
| Max Operating Altitude | 35,000 ft |
| Climb Rate | 2,437 ft/min |
Runway Performance
| Field Performance | Value |
|---|---|
| Takeoff Distance (Sea Level) | 2,111 ft (per Aviation Week) |
| Landing Distance | 2,845 ft |
| 12,500 lb MTOW | Part 23 normal-category |
| Modern Operational Flexibility | Premium positioning |
Typical Mission Examples
- New York to Atlanta (~750 nm) - non-stop very comfortable
- Coast-to-coast U.S.: Multi-leg standard
- Aspen approach in hot summer: Premium hot-and-high (inherited from King Air 250)
- Regional executive transportation: Premium positioning
- Modern operating capability: Industry-leading
Engines
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 turboprop engines, each producing 850 shp (1,700 shp total) - same as King Air 250 predecessor.
Key features:
- Same PT6A-52 as King Air 250: Established proven
- 850 shp per engine: Standard for class
- PT6 family 400M+ hours: Industry-leading reliability
- 3,600-hour TBO: Modern intervals
- PT6A-60A gas generator + PT6A-42 gearbox: Modern engineering
- Twin-engine safety margin: Premium positioning
- Hartzell 4-blade composite propellers: Modern
Avionics: Collins Pro Line Fusion with Three 14-Inch Touchscreens
Industry-leading avionics suite (modernized from King Air 250):
- Three 14-inch touchscreen displays: First full touchscreen flight display system for class
- Touch + point-and-click navigation: Modern
- Synthetic vision standard: Premium positioning
- IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle (standard): Industry-leading
- Digital pressurization controller: Modern integration
- Collins MultiScan RTA-4112 weather radar (320 nm range): Premium
- Turbulence detection technology: Modern
- Enhanced situational awareness: Industry-leading
- TCAS, EGPWS: Standard
- Dual nav/comm radios: Standard
- ADS-B Out: Standard
Operating Costs (Per Guardian Jet)
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fuel Consumption | 138 GPH |
| Fuel Cost (at $6.28/gal) | $867/hr |
| Maintenance (5-Year Avg Hourly) | $499/hr |
| Engine Program | $197/hr |
| Total Variable Cost per Hour | $1,563/hr |
| Hangar (Annual) | $27,167 |
| Hull Insurance (Annual) | $12,188 |
| Liability Insurance (Annual) | $20,000 |
| Total Annual Fixed Costs | $59,355 |
| Total Variable Costs (300 hr) | $468,912 |
| Total Cost of Operation (300 hr) | $528,267 |
Annual operating budget at 300 hours: $528,267 per Guardian Jet. Hourly operating cost estimates: $1,563-$2,500/hr (varies by fuel price + utilization).
Pricing
| Year/Status | Price |
|---|---|
| 2020 Announcement Base Price | $6,700,000 |
| 2021 MSRP | $7,050,000 |
| Typical Purchase Price (Guardian Jet) | $8,125,000 |
| Charter Rate | $2,200 to $2,500/hr |
Mission Profile
Best fit profiles:
- Owner-Pilot Operators: Single-pilot certified, no type rating required
- Step-Up From King Air 250: Factory-standard ThrustSense + digital pressurization + MultiScan
- Twin-Engine Safety Operators: Redundancy margin
- Regional Transportation Operators: 1,720 nm range
- Government / Military / Charter / Special Mission Operators: Multimission capable
- Operators Valuing Modern Avionics: Touchscreen Pro Line Fusion
- Operators Valuing Latest Production King Air: Modern current production
- Operators Valuing No Type Rating: Part 23 normal-category
Less suited if:
- You need stand-up cabin (modest height at 4 ft 9 in)
- You require jet speeds (Mach 0.6+)
- You need 35,000+ ft altitude
- You require 1,800+ nm range (consider King Air 360 / 360ER)
- You want widest cabin
Pros and Cons
What the King Air 260 Does Well
- 1,720 nm range
- 310 knot max cruise (357 mph / 574 km/h)
- 35,000 ft service ceiling
- 2,437 ft/min climb rate
- Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 engines
- 850 shp per engine (twin-engine safety)
- Hartzell 4-blade composite propellers (constant-speed, auto-feathering)
- IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle (standard)
- Digital pressurization controller (standard)
- Collins MultiScan RTA-4112 weather radar (320 nm range)
- Collins Pro Line Fusion with three 14-inch touchscreens
- Touch + point-and-click navigation
- Synthetic vision standard
- Single-pilot certified (no type rating)
- Part 23 normal-category at 12,500 lb MTOW
- 8,830 lb basic empty weight
- 3,760 lb useful load
- 2,170 lb maximum payload
- Up to 9 passengers
- Redesigned cabin with reshaped cabinetry
- Resculpted sidewalls
- New pressure-mapping technology seats
- CoolView windows
- Beechcraft signature square-oval cabin
- Generous head and shoulder room
- Finely crafted seats (laterally track, swivel, recline)
- 2,111 ft takeoff distance (sea level)
- 2,845 ft landing distance
- 55.3 cu ft baggage capacity
- $1,563/hr variable operating cost (per Guardian Jet)
- 2021 MSRP $7.05M (vs King Air 250's $6.3M)
- World's best-selling business turboprop family
- Strong residual value
- Textron Aviation worldwide service network
- More than 7,600 King Airs delivered since 1964
- 62 million+ flight hours globally
- FAA certified March 2021
- EASA certified September 2021
Tradeoffs to Understand
- Twin-engine fuel + maintenance higher than PC-12 single-engine
- 35,000 ft service ceiling vs jets
- 310 kt cruise slower than jets
- 138 GPH cruise burn (substantial vs PC-12's ~65 GPH)
- Cabin smaller than King Air 360/360ER
- 2021 MSRP $7.05M premium over King Air 250's $6.3M
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the King Air 260 different from the King Air 250?
The King Air 260 (current production from 2020) is the direct successor to the King Air 250 (2011-2020). Key improvements: factory-standard IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle (automatically managing engine power throughout flight, $88,500+ aftermarket on King Air 250s), factory-standard digital pressurization controller (replacing analog gauges with digital readouts on Pro Line Fusion multifunction display), factory-standard Collins MultiScan RTA-4112 weather radar (320 nm range with turbulence detection), Pro Line Fusion with three 14-inch touchscreen displays (vs King Air 250's smaller integrated displays), CoolView windows, redesigned cabin with reshaped cabinetry + resculpted sidewalls + pressure-mapping technology seats. Same PT6A-52 engines, same 850 shp, same 12,500 lb MTOW, same 310 knot cruise, same 1,720 nm range, same 35,000 ft ceiling, same single-pilot certification with no type rating. 2021 MSRP: $7.05M (King Air 260) vs King Air 250's $6.3M.
How is the King Air 260 different from the King Air 360?
The King Air 360 (model B300) is the larger sibling of the King Air 260 (model B200GT). Key differences: King Air 360 has more powerful PT6A-60A engines (1,050 shp each vs King Air 260's 850 shp), larger cabin (19.5 ft length vs King Air 260's 16.7 ft), higher MTOW (15,000 lb vs King Air 260's 12,500 lb), longer range (1,806 nm vs King Air 260's 1,720 nm), higher max cruise (312 knots vs 310 knots), and TYPE RATING REQUIRED (vs King Air 260's single-pilot no type rating). King Air 360 carries up to 11 passengers vs King Air 260's 9.
How is the King Air 260 different from the Pilatus PC-12 NGX?
The King Air 260 (twin-engine turboprop) and PC-12 NGX (single-engine turboprop) compete for similar mission profiles. Key differences: King Air 260 has twin-engine safety margin (redundancy) with PT6A-52 engines, but PC-12 NGX has larger cabin volume + only flat floor in class + longer range (1,803 nm) + single-engine economics (lower fuel burn). Per Aviation Week, "Generally, the King Air will have an advantage over jets on missions that are 500 nm or less."
How far can a King Air 260 fly?
The King Air 260 has a maximum range of 1,720 nautical miles (3,185 km) per Globalair, Aviation Week, and Air Charter Advisors. This enables transcontinental U.S. flights with one fuel stop and most regional missions non-stop.
Is the King Air 260 single-pilot certified?
Yes. The King Air 260 is single-pilot certified at its 12,500 lb MTOW (Part 23 normal-category). No type rating is required, distinguishing it from the larger King Air 300/350/360 series (which require type ratings).
What engines power the King Air 260?
Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 turboprop engines, each producing 850 shp (1,700 shp total) - the same proven engines as the King Air 250 predecessor.
What's the IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle?
The Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) ThrustSense Autothrottle is an integrated autothrottle system standard on the King Air 260 (and available as $88,500+ retrofit on earlier King Air 200-series airplanes equipped with Pro Line Fusion). It allows pilots to select an airspeed on the airplane's Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics suite, after which ThrustSense automatically adjusts the power levers to satisfy the command. This lets pilots fly the takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing phases of flight with precise airspeeds without manual input. Includes overspeed/underspeed protection.
What's the difference between Pro Line Fusion on King Air 260 vs King Air 250?
The King Air 260's Pro Line Fusion features three 14-inch touchscreen displays (premium touchscreen avionics) vs the King Air 250's smaller integrated displays. The 260 represents the first full touchscreen flight display system in its class. Both support synthetic vision, enhanced situational awareness, dual nav/comm radios, and modern flight management.
What's the operating cost of a King Air 260?
Per Guardian Jet, the King Air 260 variable operating cost is $1,563/hr (138 GPH fuel at $6.28/gal = $867 + $499 maintenance + $197 engine program). Annual fixed costs $59,355. Total annual operating cost at 300 hours: $528,267. Hourly charter rate: $2,200-$2,500.
The Bottom Line
The Beechcraft King Air 260 represents Beechcraft's current production modernization of the King Air 200 series platform - the direct successor to the King Air 250 (2011-2020) with substantial cockpit improvements. With substantial industry-leading capabilities (factory-standard IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle automatically managing engine power from takeoff through climb + cruise + descent + go-around + landing for substantially reduced pilot workload and precise airspeed control without manual input, factory-standard digital pressurization controller replacing analog gauges with digital readouts on Pro Line Fusion multifunction display, factory-standard Collins MultiScan RTA-4112 weather radar operating automatically with precipitation contours + turbulence mapping + ground clutter suppression at 320 nautical mile range, Collins Pro Line Fusion avionics suite with three 14-inch touchscreen displays representing the first full touchscreen flight display system for class, completely redesigned cabin with reshaped cabinetry + resculpted sidewalls + new seat design using pressure-mapping technology, new CoolView windows, single-pilot certified at 12,500 lb MTOW in Part 23 normal-category with no type rating required - distinguishing it from larger 300/350/360 series King Airs), the King Air 260 delivered Beechcraft's flagship current production modern twin-turboprop. Twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 turboprop engines (same 850 shp engines as King Air 250 predecessor) provide modern proven reliability with 3,600-hour TBO. Hartzell 4-blade composite constant-speed auto-feathering propellers. Performance: 310 knots (357 mph / 574 km/h) max cruise speed, 1,720 nm range, 35,000 ft service ceiling, 2,437 ft/min climb rate, 2,111 ft takeoff distance, 2,845 ft landing distance. Cabin: 16 ft 8 in length, 4 ft 9 in height, 4 ft 6 in width, accommodates up to 9 passengers (typically configured for 6-7 with four-place club + airstair-door seat + belted lavatory seat), 55.3 cu ft baggage capacity. MTOW 12,500 lb (Part 23 normal-category exactly), 8,830 lb basic empty weight, 3,760 lb useful load, 2,170 lb maximum payload. Aircraft: 43 ft 10 in length, 14 ft 10 in height, 57 ft 11 in wingspan. The King Air 260 was announced December 2, 2020 by Textron Aviation, received FAA certification in March 2021, EASA certification in September 2021, with first deliveries in the first half of 2021. 2020 announcement base price was $6.7M. 2021 MSRP: $7.05M (typical purchase price per Guardian Jet: $8.125M). Variable operating cost per Guardian Jet: $1,563/hr (138 GPH fuel consumption at $6.28/gal = $867/hr fuel + $499/hr maintenance 5-year average + $197/hr engine program). Annual fixed costs: $59,355 (hangar $27,167 + hull insurance $12,188 + liability insurance $20,000). Total annual operating cost at 300 hours: $528,267. Charter rate: $2,200-$2,500/hr. The IS&S ThrustSense Autothrottle aftermarket retrofit is available through Textron Aviation Service facilities starting at $88,500 for earlier King Air 200-series airplanes equipped with Pro Line Fusion. Nearly 7,600 Beechcraft King Air turboprops have been delivered since 1964 making the family the best-selling business turboprop range in the world with more than 62 million flight hours globally. Textron Aviation worldwide service network continues to support the King Air 260 platform.
Quantum Jets supports the platform across private jet charter, private jet rental, private jet card programs, aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, and aircraft leasing structures.
Talk to a Quantum Jets broker for King Air 260 acquisition guidance and market intelligence.
[CTA Button: Talk to a Quantum Jets Broker]
Book a Beechcraft King Air 260 on the Quantum Jets App by AVIA Technologies
The Quantum Jets mobile app, built by AVIA Technologies, is the private jet charter marketplace app for the Beechcraft King Air 260 and the rest of the Quantum Jets catalog. The Quantum Jets app is available as an iOS app on the Apple App Store and as an Android app on Google Play. Whether the goal is a one-off jet charter, recurring private jet rental, a private jet card program, or a deeper engagement spanning aircraft purchase, jet purchase, jet sales, aircraft management, jet management, private jet management, aircraft maintenance, aircraft refurbishment, fractional jet access, aircraft lease, aircraft leasing, or aircraft sales, the Quantum Jets app surfaces live Beechcraft King Air 260 availability and routes the booking through the Quantum Jets brokerage team.
AVIA Technologies is the technology platform behind the Quantum Jets mobile app. The AVIA Technologies app powers the private jet charter marketplace experience: search the catalog, compare a Beechcraft King Air 260 against alternatives in the same tier, pull live pricing, request a charter quote, schedule aircraft maintenance, list a Beechcraft King Air 260 for jet sales, manage a fleet under aircraft management or private jet management, and execute a private jet card purchase, all from one private jet app. The Quantum Jets app and the AVIA Technologies app share the same backend so client data, trip history, and aircraft preferences carry across both surfaces.
Download the Quantum Jets app on the Apple App Store (iOS app) or Google Play (Android app), then search the Beechcraft King Air 260 to start booking. The Quantum Jets mobile app is the fastest path from research to booking for any private jet, jet charter, private jet rental, or private jet charter marketplace transaction in the Quantum Jets catalog. AVIA Technologies maintains the private jet charter marketplace app on a continuous deployment schedule with new aircraft, new operators, and refined private jet management tooling shipping every release.
Beechcraft King Air 260 Services from Quantum Jets
Quantum Jets supports Beechcraft King Air 260 operators and prospective owners across the full lifecycle of private jet ownership. Whether the goal is jet charter for a one-off trip, a private jet rental for a busy season, or a private jet charter program tied to a recurring travel pattern, our team builds the right structure around the Beechcraft King Air 260 for the mission.
For buyers, our aircraft purchase and jet purchase advisory walks through inspection, valuation, financing, and closing. Jet sales and aircraft sales clients work with our team to position the Beechcraft King Air 260 for the strongest possible exit, with market intelligence on every comparable transaction. A private jet card program through Quantum Jets is a lower-commitment way to access Beechcraft King Air 260-class lift without a full aircraft purchase, and is structured to credit toward a future jet purchase when the time is right.
Once an aircraft is in hand, aircraft management and jet management at Quantum Jets cover crew, scheduling, regulatory compliance, charter revenue programs, and detailed reporting. Private jet management is structured to keep the Beechcraft King Air 260 flying safely and profitably with minimum owner overhead. Aircraft maintenance is coordinated through manufacturer-authorized service centers, and aircraft refurbishment programs (interior, paint, avionics, connectivity) are managed end-to-end so the Beechcraft King Air 260 retains residual value over its operating life.
Fractional jet programs are available for Beechcraft King Air 260-class travelers who want guaranteed access without sole ownership. Aircraft lease and aircraft leasing arrangements (operating, finance, dry, wet) are structured to match the operator's hours, geography, and balance sheet. The Beechcraft King Air 260 fits naturally into all of these structures, and Quantum Jets handles the structuring, documentation, and lifecycle service so the owner can focus on flying.
If you are evaluating a Beechcraft King Air 260 for purchase, charter, lease, fractional access, management, refurbishment, or sale, talk to a Quantum Jets broker for a custom market scan and pre-buy diligence.
Related Aircraft Guides:
- Beechcraft King Air 250: Direct Predecessor (2011-2020)
- Beechcraft King Air B200GT: Earlier Predecessor (2007-2012)
- Beechcraft King Air 360: Larger Twin-Engine Sibling (Current Production)
- Beechcraft King Air 360ER: Extended-Range Twin-Engine Sibling
- Beechcraft King Air C90GTx: Smaller Twin-Engine Heritage (Discontinued March 2021)
- Pilatus PC-12 NGX: Single-Engine Turboprop Competitor
- Piaggio P.180 Avanti EVO: Twin-Engine Pusher Turboprop Competitor
- Daher TBM 960: Single-Engine Turboprop Competitor
The Beechcraft King Air 260 is in active production. Textron Aviation provides worldwide parts/support. Specifications accurate as of 2026.