Beechcraft King Air B200: Buyer’s and Investor’s Guide

Beechcraft King Air B200.

The Beechcraft King Air B200 is a twin-turboprop workhorse offering performance, pressurisation and short-field capability comparable to light jets, but at a significantly lower operating cost.

The basics

• Model: King Air B200
• Manufacturer: Beechcraft (Textron Aviation)
• Type: Twin-turboprop business aircraft
• Category: Turboprop
• First Delivery: 1981 (production until 2007, succeeded by King Air 250)
• Number Built: ~1,800 (B200 variants)
• Crew: 1–2 pilots
• Passengers: 6–8
• Cabin Configuration: Club-four + 2 forward/rear seats (optional belted lavatory)

Why is the B200 so popular?

Having delivered 1,180 airframes, the B200 is arguably the most successful aircraft in the King Air family. Known for its reliability, ruggedness and comfort, it has served corporate operators, governments, medevac services and owner-pilots since the 1980s. According to AMSTAT, there are 964 aircraft currently in service, including 567 in North America. The average asking price is $2.3m.

Its ability to operate from short, unimproved runways makes it versatile, while its pressurised cabin and 35,000ft altitude ceiling offer the ability to cruise above weather. The aircraft is also relatively easy to maintain and receives support from Textron, as well as aftermarket providers.

Cabin and comfort

While not as large as the 350i, the B200’s cabin is still competitive for most business travel needs. Cabin noise and vibration are higher than jets, but newer refurbishments and insulation upgrades can improve in-flight comfort.

It features:

• Cabin length: 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m)
• Cabin width: 4 ft 6 in (1.37 m)
• Cabin height: 4 ft 9 in (1.45 m)
• Pressurization: 6.5 psi differential
• Club seating for four is standard, with options for additional forward/rear-facing chairs or a belted lavatory.
• Basic refreshment center and storage options are available.

Performance

• Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42 (850 shp each)
• Cruise Speed: 290–310kts (537–574km/h)
• Range: Approx 1,580nm (2,926km) with four passengers
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 12,500lbs (5,670kg)
• Takeoff Distance (MTOW): Approx 2,579ft (786m)
• Service Ceiling: 35,000ft
• Fuel Burn: Approx 100–120 gallons/hour
• Climb Performance: Reaches FL300 in approx 15–20 minutes

Flight deck and avionics

Earlier B200s came with analog ‘steam gauge’ panels, but most have been upgraded. Common cockpit options include:

• Pro Line II (legacy)
• Pro Line 21 (later models and retrofits)
• Garmin G1000/G1000NXi upgrades available
• Autopilot, TCAS, weather radar, and WAAS/LPV approach capabilities are commonly retrofitted.

Modernised cockpits heighten situational awareness, which in turn improves single-pilot usability and resale value.

Ownership and operating costs

Depreciation is slower compared to light jets, and parts support is strong globally.

Acquisition Cost (Pre-owned):

• Older B200 (1980s–1990s): $800,000 – $1.5m
• Newer B200GT (2004–2007): $2.5 – $3.5m 

Operating Cost (Direct):

• Approx $1,700 – $1,900 per hour (fuel, maintenance, crew, reserve

Annual Budget (300 hrs/year): ~$500,000 – $600,000

Modifications and upgrades

• Blackhawk Engine Upgrade (XP52): Replaces PT6A‑42s with more powerful PT6A‑52s for jet-like climb and cruise
• Avionics: Garmin G1000NXi or Pro Line 21 upgrades
• Raisbeck Performance Enhancements: Improved props, drag reduction, and payload
• Interior Refurbishments: Soundproofing, seating, lighting, USB power, modern finishes

What to watch out for

• Corrosion: Check for it, especially in older airframes and salt-air environments
• Avionics obsolescence: Avoid older models without upgraded panels unless planning to retrofit
• Part 135 usage history: Heavy charter use may affect airframe fatigue and interior condition
• Operating weight vs. runway: Fully loaded performance is good, but not as robust as newer turboprops like the King Air 250

Who flies it?

The B200 is popular with a wide range of operators:

• Corporate flight departments performing regional trips
• Owner-pilots seeking pressurised capability
• Government agencies and military (training, transport, surveillance)
• Medevac operators due to its pressurised cabin and rear cargo door (in some variants)