Increased interest in King Air Blackhawk engine upgrades

Hawker Beechcraft Global
Customer Support (GCS) announced at the Farnborough Airshow that its Hawker Beechcraft
Services (HBS) facility in Chester
is experiencing a growing interest for the Blackhawk engine upgrade available
on all King Air 200 series aircraft.

The upgrade includes two
factory-new engines with new engine warranty from Pratt & Whitney.

“Just more than 200
Blackhawk King Air engine upgrades have been completed worldwide, making it the
most successful King Air engine upgrade program by far,” said Christi
Tannahill, senior vice president, Global Customer Support. “The Blackhawk
upgrade provides proven elevated performance levels and safety in a simple
bolt-on package requiring minimal airframe modification for a little more than
the cost of an overhaul.”

HBS Chester recently
completed a Blackhawk upgrade on a Super King Air 200 twin-engine turboprop
owned by Cardiff-based DragonFly Executive Air Charter and is expecting further
orders for the upgrade to factory-new P&W PT6A-61 engines as owners look to
maximize their aircraft’s potential.

“I am delighted by the
Blackhawk upgrade, which has radically improved the performance of my King
Air,” said Howard Palser, chief executive officer of DragonFly Executive Air
Charter. “Not only has it improved the efficiency of the aircraft and reduced
operating costs, it has also added value to the airframe for future resale
purposes. This upgrade makes absolute sense as it improves the service we can
offer our clients, while strengthening our finances. I was also impressed by
the professionalism and attention to detail exhibited by both the engineering
and support staff at Hawker Beechcraft Services in Chester. I know my aircraft could not have
been in better hands, and I would recommend this upgrade to any operator.”