Quantcast

Beechcraft developed lightweight variant of King Air for European regulations

Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Beechcraft developed lightweight variant of King Air for European regulations
Policy
Webp q21f5nitffycj044lotyey7psz4t
Joanna Bailey Managing Editor | Simple Flying

Beechcraft developed the King Air 300LW as a lighter variant to meet European regulatory and market factors. The King Air 300LW offered improved climb performance and cost-effective operations in regions with weight-based fees. The 300LW represented a small subset of the overall production run, showcasing Beechcraft's adaptability to market demands and regulatory environments.

In 1988, Raytheon subsidiary Beech Aircraft Corporation began the development of the Beechcraft King Air 300LW (Light Weight), a lighter variant of the Beechcraft King Air 300. The primary driver for the design concept was regulatory and market factors in Europe.

The King Air aircraft line is a historic and popular brand. The first King Air model 90s rolled out of Beech Aircraft Company's Wichita, KS production facility in 1964. In 1974, the first of the King Air 200 series debuted.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Beechcraft introduced the King Air 300 in 1984 as an upgraded version of the highly successful 200. It featured more powerful Pratt & Whitney PT6A-60A engines and was certificated for a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 14,000 pounds.

The Beech King Air has consistently ranked high in popularity and owner loyalty. The brand's success stems from many factors, including the Beechcraft reputation for top build quality and after-sale customer service, as well as the aircraft's fine performance and comfort. The King Air provides passengers with a solid, relatively quiet ride akin to that of a large luxury car.

Pilots admire its handling qualities, P&W Canada PT-6 reliability and performance, and stable instrument platform for all-weather operations. Beech Aircraft produced many iterations from its inception to today’s models like the King Air 360. In 2014, Textron acquired both Beech Aircraft Company and Cessna Aircraft Company.

By 1984, due to economic changes and evolving European regulations, Beechcraft saw the need to produce a hybrid King Air 300 to maintain its market presence across Europe.

In the '80s, European countries enacted measures taxing airspace users through various user fees targeting aircraft over certain MTOW thresholds—primarily those above 12,500 pounds MTOW—due to their presumed commercial use. These included UK’s APD tax on departing passengers and EUROCONTROL’s en route airway fees within EU airspace.

Raytheon Beechcraft responded by creating a lighter B300 variant addressing these "twelve five" weight issues while maintaining capabilities demanded by customers needing cost-effective operations under these regulations.

Performance-wise, despite reduced weight affecting range slightly—1,480 NM compared to standard's 1,570 NM—the aircraft retained much capability with superior climb rates (3,277 ft/min vs. standard’s 2,844 ft/min) and marginally higher cruise speeds (315 knots vs. standard's at 312 knots).

The market reception saw sales primarily within Europe where lower MTOW provided advantages amidst such regulations or cost considerations; simultaneous production alongside standard versions allowed conversion flexibility via manufacturer-provided kits comprising revised airspeed indicators/Air Flight Manual revisions between variants.

From '84-'94 saw around230 Model deliveries yet historical features suggest only about35 LW units were delivered—indicative small subsets relative overall productions aimed circumventing taxes/fees without altering type ratings requiring BE-300 qualifications given similar systems/characteristics overall designs otherwise identical BE-30 standards across pilots/operators alike sustaining competitive presences amidst evolving niches markets segments showcased adaptabilities platforms against pressures challenges therein thus continuing strongholds globally throughout turboprop markets varied regions wide ultimately...

---

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Flying Food Group announced on LinkedIn that it has launched its Virgin Atlantic operations.

May 28, 2025

dnata, a prominent global air and travel services provider, has expanded its inflight retail partnership with easyJet to include operations at Milan Linate (LIN) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO) airports in Italy.

May 28, 2025

Two major global brands, Emirates and Real Madrid, have launched a new campaign focused on excellence.

May 27, 2025

Emirates Skywards has strengthened its partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, allowing members to convert Miles to Points and vice versa.

May 27, 2025

Air New Zealand is set to reintroduce domestic jet services between Hamilton and Christchurch starting September 18.

May 27, 2025

Agricultural workers from New York and California have initiated federal complaints challenging state laws that allow United Farm Workers (UFW) union officials to gain control over them without a formal employee vote.

May 27, 2025