Quantcast

Sky Industry News

Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Wheels Up relies on versatile Beechcraft King Air fleet for growing demand
Policy
Webp whellsup
Wheels Up Beechcraft King Air 350i | Wikipedia

Wheels Up, a private aviation company based in the United States, has become a significant player in the private aviation industry. Since its inception in 2013, Wheels Up has grown to operate over 200 private aircraft and is now recognized as the second-largest private aviation company after NetJets. The company primarily operates on an on-demand business model, offering both aircraft charters and memberships.

A key component of Wheels Up's fleet is the Beechcraft King Air 350i, a versatile twin-engine turboprop aircraft with a capacity for up to 10 passengers. Beechcraft launched this model in 2008 as an enhanced version of the King Air series that dates back to the mid-1980s. The King Air 350i offers efficient performance and flexibility for short-to-medium-range flights.

In August 2013, Wheels Up confirmed an order of 105 King Air 350i aircraft from Beechcraft, valued at $1.4 billion. This strategic acquisition enabled Wheels Up to target non-hub markets and regional airports where commercial airline services are less effective.

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's design improvements have made the King Air 350i popular among various operators, including commercial, military, and cargo sectors. "When government, military and commercial customers want airborne solutions for critical missions," Beechcraft states, "they turn to BEECHCRAFT."

By incorporating these aircraft into its operations by 2014, Wheels Up had already taken delivery of 27 new King Airs and expanded its customer base significantly through charters and memberships. According to Wheels Up: "With the average private flight in the US being less than 2.5 hours, our exclusive and vast fleet of King Air 350i aircraft provides you with the most economical solution for flying private with up to eight passengers all year long."

The cabin of the King Air 350i is designed for comfort comparable to modern light jets while maintaining efficiency in terms of noise levels and fuel consumption. According to Beechcraft: “The Beechcraft KING AIR aircraft offers flexible reconfigurable interiors making them equally adept at accommodating passengers cargo air ambulance or other missions.”

Operating costs for a King Air 350i range between $1,300 and $1,500 per hour depending on usage conditions according to Liberty Jet Management estimates which also indicate that annual flying costs can vary significantly based on flight hours logged.

Pratt & Whitney engines power these planes requiring overhaul approximately every few thousand hours adding substantial maintenance expenses over time but ensuring continued reliability across diverse mission profiles whether transporting personnel or performing specialized tasks globally.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Eclipse Aviation, the manufacturer of the Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ), has faced numerous challenges throughout its history.

Feb 25, 2025

Air New Zealand is facing significant operational challenges as engine issues continue to ground a portion of its fleet.

Feb 25, 2025

Allegiant Air's Airbus A319 aircraft may appear similar to the larger A320 due to their emergency exit configurations.

Feb 25, 2025

Thai Airways is set to expand its aircraft fleet significantly by 2029, as it exits the debt restructuring process initiated in 2020.

Feb 25, 2025

Passengers facing the need for urgent travel due to a family member's death or terminal illness may find some relief through bereavement fares offered by certain airlines.

Feb 25, 2025

The Alaska Air Group, comprising Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air, has outlined its fleet strategy for 2025.

Feb 25, 2025