Is Beechcraft King Air 350 the Best Aircraft for Fractional Ownership? Here Is an Overview in 2024.
Fractional ownership isn’t a new concept although recently, it has seen an explosion of popularity in a host of new and diverse industries. Of these industries, aircraft fractional ownership has experienced some of the most significant growth as the benefits it offers become more well-known. However, with so many aircraft on the market, deciding which is the best option for you or your business can be tricky.
Read on to learn about the ins and outs of the Beechcraft King Air 350i and the advantages of aircraft fractional ownership.
Cost of King Air Aircraft Ownership in 2024
The outright purchase of any aircraft is an expensive endeavor and understandably so because flying in private luxury does not come cheap. Furthermore, the upfront purchase price cannot be viewed in isolation as there are a range of additional expenses involved in owning a private airplane. For instance, maintenance, insurance, storage, pilots, and crew to name a few of these often-overlooked costs.
Let’s get down to the breakdown of what it will cost to own a Beechcraft King Air 350i in 2024:
A brand-new King Air 350i (now King Air 360) will set you back around $8m. Not to mention at least a 6 month wait with the current demand.
As mentioned, once you’ve acquired the immaculate Beechcraft King Air or any private plane, there are many ongoing costs that must be considered. If not factored into the equation, then your stunning aircraft will remain impressive but grounded.
Here’s a breakdown of the extra dollars required to maintain and operate this stunning aircraft:
Pilot and crew expenses total around $180,000 annually.
Hanger storage will run up a tab of $50,000 a year.
Insurance will also cost in the region of $45,000 per year.
Maintenance of the aircraft will vary depending on use but a good rule of thumb is $140,000 every 12 months.
Fuel costs also depend on the frequency of use but generally will be in the region of $180,00 a year for a regular flyer. (Around 250 Hours of Flight Time)
Therefore, in addition to the $8m price tag, the grand total for keeping the plane safe and fully operational is approximately $595,000 annually. Of course, if financing was used to purchase the plane, then the loan repayments must also be added to the yearly bill.
Advantages of King Air Fractional vs Full Ownership
The rapid rise in aircraft fractional ownership as opposed to full ownership is no coincidence. It’s driven by an extensive list of advantages that reduce both the hassle and finances of flying in sophistication and style.
Here are a few of the major advantages of King Air fractional ownership compared to full ownership:
Reduced Initial Investment
For many, the biggest upside of King Air fractional ownership is the massive financial savings it provides when compared to full ownership. The cost of fractional ownership is as the name suggests a mere fraction of the price of purchasing the aircraft outright. Thus, you get to reap the benefits of luxury air travel without the hefty price tag.
Lower Ongoing Costs
In addition to the huge savings upfront, King Air 350i fractional ownership also significantly reduces ongoing costs. As the ownership of aircraft is split so too are the annual costs of maintaining and operating this premium aircraft. Therefore, the ongoing expenses are once again a fraction of what they would be if the King Air 350i were owned in full. Furthermore, as part of the West Coast Aviation Fractional program you are only responsible for paying for the time you are actually on the aircraft. You do not pay for repositioning fees, and the best part is that you do not have to worry about the logistics. We figure all of that out for you.
Professional Services
Buying an aircraft is not only a pricey undertaking but it also involves vast amounts of time and work. For example, ensuring that maintenance is scheduled regularly, the plane remains compliant, managing the crew, and much more. Fortunately, when you opt for fractional ownership, you outsource all of this irritating and time-consuming work to an expert team that handles it for you.
Resale
In sharp contrast to the lengthy and complicated process of selling an expensive aircraft, fractional ownership is far more straightforward. That’s because the financial barrier to entry is much lower and as a result, increases the number of potential buyers. Hence, reselling your King Air 350i fractional ownership stake is much easier and faster than reselling an entire plane. As part of the West Coast Aviation Fractional Program, you are free to sell your share at any time.
Flexibility
Once again, aircraft fractional ownership takes the cake in terms of flexibility. West Coast Aviation Services allow you to buy a percentage stake in the aircraft that suits your specific flying needs. Also, they provide a range of options, such as choosing the duration of fractional ownership and the freedom to opt-out.
Financial Consistency
Aircraft fractional ownership allows you to accurately predict the cost of having a high-end King Air 350i as your primary mode of air travel. Doing so gives owners the power to account for costs when budgeting thus providing financial stability. Whereas with full ownership, costs can fluctuate wildly depending on a range of factors.
King Air Aircraft Features and Benefits
The first King Air was made way back in 1964 with over 8,000 produced, it has cultivated a reputation as a truly elite aircraft. Over the years, it has been updated and refined to become one of the most trusted and sought-after aircraft for individuals and businesses alike. But what makes the Beechcraft King Air stand out from other planes on the market?
Benefits
Here are some of the key benefits that make this plane a cut above the competition:
Low Operating and Ongoing Costs
Compared to jet aircraft of similar size and luxury, the King Air 350i has far lower costs to keep it in the air. That’s good news because it means that you won’t break the bank paying to keep the plane operational or every time you want to take to the skies. The reduced expenses extend to almost all of the ongoing costs involved in owning an aircraft, such as:
Fuel costs
Maintenance costs
Insurance premiums
Crew costs and training
Reliability
Simply, the Beechcraft King Air is one of the most reliable and durable planes out there, regardless of size, make, or model. The company maintains the highest standards during construction and only uses the most state-of-the-art systems and equipment. Hence, you can rest assured that no matter the conditions, it will withstand anything Mother Nature throws at it. Moreover, its renowned durability also means that its lifespan will typically exceed its rivals.
Safety
When it comes to air travel, safety is paramount because nobody wants to be in the seat of an aircraft with known safety concerns. Thankfully, the King Air's incredible safety record speaks for itself. In fact, the Beechcraft King Air and 350 series rank among the top 3 safest aircraft in their class.
Range and Speed
The Beechcraft King Air 350i has both great range and speed. It’s able to travel over 1,500 nautical miles without needing to refuel and is just as impressive when it comes to speed. This powerhouse can effortlessly cruise at 312 knots and as high as 35,000 feet. Therefore, when it comes to efficient long-distance trips, it’s second to none.
Versatility
The King Air is as equally renowned for its versatility as it is for its safety. The plane has been specially designed to be able to take off and land on airstrips that other planes simply cannot. Its cutting-edge technology allows it to take off from short runways and runways that are in subpar condition. Thus, there are few limitations as to where you can land this plane which means you can take it essentially anywhere that has an airstrip.
Features
Here are a few of the core features that make this plane unparalleled:
Cabin
The main cabin of the King Air 350i resembles a mixture of a Fortune 500 boardroom and a 5-star hotel suite rather than an aircraft cabin. What’s more, it’s extremely spacious and can seat up to 9 passengers (8 + 1 lav seat). The pure opulence and room to move about freely will make any trip feel like a luxurious experience that is the perfect antidote for jetlag.
Avionics
Every King Air 350i that comes off the production line has been fitted with the latest and greatest Collins Proline Fusion avionics suite. Featuring a full touch-panel, Synthetic Vision (SVS) providing great situation awareness, this avionics package is state-of-the-art. The dedication to advanced avionics is a huge part of the reason the Beechcraft King Air is universally regarded as ultra-safe, reliable, and efficient.
Perks
Whether being used for business or pleasure, the King Air 350i has been meticulously designed to cater to both. From built-in refreshment centers, retractable desks, and leather seating to high-end lighting and audio systems. Therefore, if you need to get some work done or just relax in elegance and comfort, this aircraft is as good as it gets.
Storage
Adequate storage is a constant problem on planes both private and commercial. However, with the King Air 350i, storage restraints are a thing of the past. The solution is the dual storage of cabin luggage areas and additional wing lockers, perfect for a golf, hunting or ski trip.
King Air 350i Fractional Ownership Is the Right Move
The extensive benefits of fractional ownership combined with the quality of the Beechcraft King Air 350i is what makes the King Air the ideal aircraft for fractional ownership. Providing a sophisticated flying experience in a best-in-class aircraft without the hassles of full ownership at a fragment of the price.
The professionals at West Coast Aviation Services are the best in the business when it comes to aircraft fractional ownership. With over 37 years of experience, our team of industry professionals will guide you through the process and have you flying in style while simultaneously saving you money, time, and hassle. Contact our expert team at any time to discuss King Air fractional ownership and start saving today without sacrificing an ounce of luxury.