How much does a twin-engine turboprop cost?

Used twin turboprops range from $200K for an older Piper Cheyenne or Mitsubishi MU-2 to $8M+ for a late-model King Air 350i. The most popular model, the Beechcraft King Air 200, ranges $500K-$2M depending on age and engine time. King Air 350s run $1.5M-$7M, King Air C90s from $200K-$1.5M.

What is the best twin-engine turboprop?

The Beechcraft King Air 350 is the industry workhorse — 312 ktas, 1,800+ nm range, 9 passengers, and the best resale value in its class. The King Air 250 offers similar capability at lower cost. For speed, the Piaggio Avanti pushes 400 ktas. For utility and STOL, the DHC-6 Twin Otter is unmatched on floats and unpaved strips.

How much does a King Air cost to operate?

A King Air 200 costs $1,200-$1,800 per flight hour including fuel (80-100 gal/hr), engine reserves, and maintenance. A King Air 350 runs $1,800-$2,500/hr. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, crew, inspections) add $100K-$200K. At 300 hours/year, a King Air 200 costs $500K-$700K annually — competitive with light jets.

King Air vs. light jet — which is better?

King Airs excel at short-field operations (2,500-3,000 ft strips), lower operating costs per seat-mile, and cargo versatility. Light jets are faster (400-450 ktas vs. 300-330 ktas) and fly higher (FL450 vs. FL350). A King Air 350 carries more passengers (9 vs. 6-7) in a larger cabin. For regional flights under 800 nm with multiple passengers, the King Air often wins.

Are multi-engine turboprops good for charter operations?

Multi-engine turboprops are the backbone of regional charter. King Air 200/350 and Pilatus PC-12 are the most popular charter turboprops. Twin-engine certification meets insurance and regulatory requirements for Part 135 charter. Operating costs per seat-mile are significantly lower than jets, making short-to-medium routes profitable.