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.
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.
