Quantcast

Sky Industry News

A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
Airlines not switching quickly enough to green jet fuel, study says
Alaska Airlines tech issue briefly grounds planes in Seattle, disrupts bookings on Cyber Monday
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month
United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets
Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage
What Elon Musk's Starlink means for airlines
CAP OFF Major twist in Dublin Airport passenger cap row as High Court pauses decision in victory for airlines next summer season
Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
Calls for a blanket ban on politicians receiving free flight upgrades
Wizz Air Loses Challenge Against EU-Approved Romanian Aid for TAROM
Southwest, Other Airlines Plan a Shake-Up. Why They Need More to Boost Their Stocks.
One of Boeing's biggest customers leveled fresh criticism over ongoing 737 Max delivery delays
Low-Cost Airlines Innovate with Subscription Models
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

Emirates, the Dubai-based airline known for its luxury services and long-haul flights, is reportedly planning to expand its global network with new routes in 2025.

Feb 25, 2025

An American Airlines flight bound for New Delhi was diverted to Rome due to a "security issue," landing safely on Sunday.

Feb 25, 2025

The Airbus A321XLR is making a significant impact on the aviation industry by offering a range that surpasses its competitors.

Feb 25, 2025

Brussels Airlines has entered into an agreement with Air Europa to use its Boeing 787-9 aircraft for flights on the New York route.

Feb 25, 2025

In a Senate Commerce Committee hearing, the Trump administration's nominee for deputy secretary of the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) expressed that the government "needs to be tougher" on Boeing due to production delays affecting both...

Feb 25, 2025

The US Air Force's Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Fly Away Security Teams (FAST) play a critical role in providing security for aircraft and personnel operating in areas with uncertain or absent infrastructure and defenses.

Feb 25, 2025