Charter a King Air 90

The Beechcraft King Air 90 is the aircraft that invented the turboprop charter category - the original King Air, first flown on 20 January 1964, that established what a pressurised twin-turboprop should be and whose C90GTi variant became Beechcraft's best-selling model of any aircraft (including jets) in 2008. The King Air 90 began as a turboprop conversion of the Queen Air, first designated Model 65-90T and tested from 1963 for the US Army. A pressurised civil version followed with the Model 90's maiden flight on 20 January 1964. Over 20 variants were subsequently produced across six decades; the current active charter variants are principally the C90GT (2005-2007; 97 built), C90GTi (2007-2010; Collins Pro Line 21 avionics) and C90GTx (from 2010; ProLine Fusion touchscreen; winglets standard). Wikipedia confirmed that by 2010 over 3,100 King Air 90 and 100 series aircraft had been delivered globally - making this the most numerous twin-turboprop family in aviation history. Production of the C90 range ended in 2010; the larger King Air 250 and 260 continue the Beechcraft twin-turboprop line.

The C90GTi and C90GTx use PT6A-135A engines at 750 shp thermodynamic power flat-rated to 550 shp - the same rating as the earlier PT6A-21, but with extra thermodynamic capacity that delivers full 550 shp even under high-temperature and high-altitude conditions where the -21 would lose power. AOPA confirmed the C90GTi reaches FL300 in 25 minutes, nearly half the time of the earlier C90B with PT6A-21 engines. Business Jet Traveler confirmed the C90GT "cruised at 310 miles per hour" - directly competitive with the generation of Very Light Jets whose market entry the C90GT was explicitly designed to counter. Charter prices start from approximately £900 per flight hour. For the full fleet see our private jet price guide or browse our complete fleet.

Why charter the King Air 90?

• PT6A-135A flat-rated to 550 shp - full power in hot-and-high conditions; FL300 in 25 minutes on C90GTi; fastest climb in the 90 series. AOPA confirmed the defining engine upgrade of the C90GTi: the PT6A-135A produces 750 shp thermodynamic but is flat-rated to 550 shp, "giving the C90GTi extra thermodynamic horsepower that allows it to produce the full 550 shp under high and hot conditions that would have limited the previous engine." The result is dramatically better takeoff performance, faster cruise at altitude and climb to FL300 in 25 minutes - nearly half the time of the C90B with PT6A-21 engines. For charter clients departing from hot-weather European airports in summer, or from elevated airfields such as Geneva or Innsbruck, the PT6A-135A's flat-rating provides a meaningful performance advantage over earlier C90 variants and many competing small turboprops;
• Collins Pro Line 21 avionics (C90GTi); ProLine Fusion touchscreen (C90GTx) - jet-standard glass cockpit in the smallest King Air. GlobalAir confirmed the C90GTi features "the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 avionics package previously only offered for the B200 and B300 King Airs" - three LCD display screens, 3D navigation Flight Management System FMS-3000, Pro Line 21 CNS radios, Integrated Flight Information System and Automatic Direction Finder. Business Jet Traveler confirmed the Pro Line 21 avionics upgrade "makes it an easy and pleasant airplane to fly even single-pilot." The C90GTx (from 2010) further upgraded to Collins Aerospace ProLine Fusion with graphical touchscreen flight planning, a high-resolution synthetic vision system, GPS and integrated touchscreen checklists. For charter clients who value current avionics in a compact turboprop at the lowest available King Air rate, the C90GTi and GTx provide it;
• 270-275 kt cruise - designed specifically to compete with Very Light Jets; C90GT launched as a "VLJ killer" by Beechcraft. Business Jet Traveler confirmed the origin of the C90GT programme: "while many VLJ makers were selling future promises, what we in the industry charitably call vaporware, Beech had a new airplane ready to go that cruised at 310 miles per hour." The C90GT with a 275 kt cruise was Beechcraft's direct response to the Citation Mustang, Phenom 100 and HondaJet. At 270-275 kt, the King Air 90 GT series is within 15% of the speed of most entry-level VLJs, while offering a larger cabin for 5 to 6 adults, a lower charter rate and unrestricted short-field access. GlobalAir confirmed a cruise speed of 275 kt on the C90GT with "a 900-mile maximum range" while the GTi and GTx travel "around 200 miles further";
• Short and unpaved runway access from under 2,500 ft; London to Cannes capable; 26 tuned vibration absorbers (GTx) for quiet cabin. Air Charter Service confirmed all C90GT variants "can operate on short and hard-to-reach runways." Air Charter Service also confirmed the London to Cannes non-stop capability - approximately 840 nm - as the representative range mission for the C90 series. The C90GTx introduced 26 tuned vibration absorbers as standard, which Air Charter Service confirmed "significantly reduce cabin noise compared to other turboprops." Jettly documented fuel burn of 0.51 lb/nm on the C90GTi versus 0.8 lb/nm for comparable light jets - a 36% fuel burn advantage that directly reduces operating cost and charter rates on sectors under 600 nm;
• F90 variant - C90 fuselage + A100 wing + B200 T-tail + PT6A-135; 236 built 1979-1985; the hybrid King Air. Business Jet Traveler documented the F90's unique combination: "Beech engineers took the fuselage of the C90 and combined it with the wing of the A100 and the T-tail from the B200 King Airs. Then they hung a pair of more powerful, 750-shaft-horsepower PT6A-135 engines on it. Cruising speed jumped to 267 knots and the F90 was an instant hit. Eventually, 236 of them would be made." The F90 is the predecessor of the C90GT philosophy - the King Air 90 fuselage with maximum available power - and remains active in the charter market as a capable mid-range turboprop with jet-competitive cruise speeds at lower rates than the larger King Air 200;
• 3,100+ King Air 90/100 series built; best-selling Beechcraft model of any type (2008); US Navy; Royal Flying Doctor Service; FAA; 60+ years continuous development. Business Jet Traveler confirmed the C90GTi was "the company's best-selling model of any of its aircraft - piston, turboprop, or jet" in 2008, with 66 delivered that year. Wikipedia confirmed over 3,100 King Air 90 and 100 series aircraft delivered by 2010. Primary operators include the US Navy, the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (now standardised on the larger King Air 200), the US Federal Aviation Administration and the Saudi Arabia Government Agency. The 60-year production lineage from the 1964 Model 90 to the 2010 C90GTx represents the longest turboprop development programme in aviation history. Textron Aviation continues to provide full OEM parts and engineering support for all C90 variants.

Charter cost - King Air 90 prices from UK airports

Hourly rates run from approximately £900 to £1,300 - the lowest in the King Air family, reflecting the 90 series' smaller cabin (5 to 6 passengers standard), slightly lower cruise speed than the King Air 200 and lower acquisition cost. For groups of 4 to 6 on short UK regional and European sectors where the lowest available twin-turboprop rate is the priority, the King Air 90 provides the most economical pressurised twin-engine option in the charter market.

Indicative one-way prices from UK airports:

• London to Edinburgh - from £1,080 (5 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes);
• London to Paris - from £1,170 (5 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Geneva - from £1,620 (5 passengers, approximately 2 hours);
• London to Nice - from £2,250 (5 passengers, approximately 2 hours 20 minutes);
• Edinburgh to Inverness - from £900 (5 passengers, approximately 35 minutes);
• London to Amsterdam - from £1,170 (5 passengers, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes);
• London to Dublin - from £1,080 (5 passengers, approximately 1 hour 10 minutes).

Empty Leg flights appear on repositioning routes. See our Empty Legs page for current availability.

Ideal routes for the King Air 90

Best matched to short UK regional and European missions under 900 nm where turboprop economics, short-field access and the lowest King Air charter rate serve groups of 4 to 6:

• Short UK regional sectors where the lowest charter rate and short-field access are priorities. The King Air 90 series' ability to operate from strips under 2,500 ft provides access to Scottish Highland airfields, island approaches, private estate strips and small regional airfields inaccessible to jets. At charter rates from £900/hr it is the most economical pressurised twin for these missions. Edinburgh to Inverness, London to regional UK airfields and Scottish island routes are natural King Air 90 sectors;
• Short European day trips under 900 nm where 270-275 kt cruise is jet-competitive at lower rates. London to Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin are all within 80 to 90 minutes at 275 kt - comparable to entry-level VLJ speeds. For budget-conscious groups of 4 to 5 where the slightly slower speed versus a VLJ is acceptable, the King Air 90's charter rate saving of 20 to 35% versus an equivalent-group light jet makes it a practical choice. Air Charter Service confirmed London to Cannes as a representative non-stop sector within C90GTi range;
• Groups of 4 to 6 where the longer cabin (5.94 m) provides more linear space than the King Air 200 (5.08 m). The King Air 90's cabin at 5.94 m long is notably longer than the King Air 200's 5.08 m - despite being the smaller aircraft. This is because the King Air 90 uses a different fuselage cross-section without the larger King Air 200's T-tail rear fuselage configuration. For 4 to 6 passengers who value cabin length over width, the King Air 90 provides more linear space at lower rates. The 1.37 m width is the same as the King Air 200;
• C90GTi and GTx operations where Pro Line 21 and ProLine Fusion avionics provide jet-standard navigation in a small turboprop. For charter clients or corporate flight departments who specify current glass cockpit avionics, the C90GTi's Pro Line 21 and the C90GTx's ProLine Fusion touchscreen (with graphical flight planning and synthetic vision) provide current-standard avionics in the smallest, lowest-cost King Air configuration. These avionics make single-pilot operations straightforward, supporting lower crew cost structures in the charter market;
• Budget-priority missions where the King Air 90 provides the lowest-cost pressurised twin-engine charter option available. At £900 to £1,300/hr the King Air 90 is the most economical pressurised twin in the UK charter market - below the King Air 200, below any VLJ and below the Pilatus PC-12 at comparable group sizes. For corporate cost centres where budget ceiling is the binding constraint and the mission is within 900 nm, the King Air 90 provides pressurised twin-engine reliability at the lowest available rate.

Cabin and in-flight experience

The King Air 90 cabin measures 5.94 m (19.5 ft) long, 1.37 m (4.5 ft) wide and 1.45 m (4.75 ft) high - the same width and height as the King Air 200 but notably longer at 5.94 m versus the 200's 5.08 m. Air Charter Service confirmed the typical configuration seats five to six passengers in club-style seating. A seventh passenger can occupy a forward cockpit position on owner-operated aircraft, but Air Charter Service confirmed this is not available for charter purposes. There is space for approximately four suitcases on a full flight; additional luggage can be accommodated if the two rear seats are unoccupied. A lavatory is available at the rear of the cabin on equipped aircraft; baggage space is internal and cabin-accessible.

The C90GTx introduced 26 tuned vibration absorbers that Air Charter Service confirmed "significantly reduce cabin noise compared to other turboprops." The C90GTi cockpit carries Collins Pro Line 21 with three LCD screens, FMS-3000 and full CNS radios. The C90GTx upgrades to ProLine Fusion touchscreen with graphical flight planning, synthetic vision and automatic wireless chart uploads. Auto-feather and rudder bias are standard safety features on both variants.

• Cabin. 5.94 m x 1.37 m x 1.45 m; pressurised; longer than King Air 200;
• Layout. Club-4 standard; 5-6 typical; 9 maximum; rear lavatory on equipped aircraft;
• Noise (C90GTx). 26 tuned vibration absorbers; significantly lower cabin noise;
• Baggage. Internal; cabin-accessible; space for ~4 suitcases on full flight;
• Engines (C90GTi/GTx). 2 x PT6A-135A (750 shp thermodynamic; flat-rated 550 shp; full power in hot-and-high);
• Avionics (C90GTi). Collins Pro Line 21 (3 LCD; FMS-3000; CNS radios; integrated flight info);
• Avionics (C90GTx). Collins ProLine Fusion (touchscreen; synthetic vision; graphical flight planning; auto chart updates);
• Climb (C90GTi). FL300 in 25 minutes (half the time of earlier C90B).

Technical specifications

King Air 90 vs similar aircraft

• King Air 90 vs King Air 200. The King Air 200 uses PT6A-42 engines at 850 shp (vs 550 shp flat-rated on the C90GTi), providing 297-310 kt cruise (vs 270-275 kt), 35,000 ft ceiling (vs 30,000 ft) and approximately 1,580 nm range (vs 980 nm for the C90GTi). Charter rates for the King Air 200 run approximately 25 to 35% above the King Air 90. The King Air 90 counters with a notably longer cabin (5.94 m vs 5.08 m), lower rates and the same PT6 reliability. For range beyond 900 nm or operations requiring the higher ceiling, the King Air 200 is the practical choice; for shorter sectors where the longer cabin and lower rate are priorities, the King Air 90 is appropriate;
• King Air 90 vs Pilatus PC-12 NGX. The Pilatus PC-12 NGX is a single-engine turboprop with a flat-floor cabin and 290 kt cruise. Charter rates are broadly comparable. The King Air 90 counters with twin-engine safety redundancy (two engines vs one PC-12 engine), the Pro Line 21/Fusion avionics on current variants, and the deeper MRO base of 3,100+ aircraft. For groups where twin-engine policy is required, the King Air 90 is the choice; for flat-floor cabin and slightly higher speed the PC-12 NGX is preferable;
• King Air 90 vs Very Light Jets (Citation Mustang, Phenom 100, HondaJet). Business Jet Traveler confirmed the C90GT was explicitly designed to counter VLJ competition, providing 275 kt cruise versus VLJ speeds of 340-420 kt at lower charter rates. The King Air 90 counters with a larger cabin for 5 to 6 adults (vs typical 4-seat VLJ cabins), significantly lower fuel burn (0.51 lb/nm vs 0.8 lb/nm), short-field and unpaved runway access and twin-turboprop reliability. For speed-priority missions the VLJs are faster; for cabin space, short-field access and lower rates the King Air 90 is the alternative.

Frequently asked questions - King Air 90 charter

How much does it cost to charter a King Air 90?
Charter rates run from approximately £900 to £1,300 per flight hour. London to Edinburgh costs from £1,080 for 5 passengers. London to Geneva costs from £1,620. London to Nice costs from £2,250. All quotes from Private Jets UK are fully itemised with no hidden charges.

What is the difference between the King Air 90, C90GT, C90GTi and C90GTx?
The original King Air 90 (1964) used PT6A-6 engines. The C90GT (2005) introduced PT6A-135A engines at 275 kt cruise, 97 built. The C90GTi (2007) added Collins Pro Line 21 glass cockpit avionics with FMS-3000 - the same avionics system previously reserved for the larger King Air 200 and 300. The C90GTx (2010) further upgraded to ProLine Fusion touchscreen avionics, added winglets as standard and increased MTOW to 10,485 lb for better full-fuel payload flexibility. All three use the same PT6A-135A engines flat-rated to 550 shp.

Is the King Air 90 cabin longer than the King Air 200?
Yes - the King Air 90 cabin at 5.94 m (19.5 ft) is longer than the King Air 200's 5.08 m (16.7 ft), despite the King Air 90 being the smaller and lower-priced aircraft. Both aircraft share the same 1.37 m cabin width. The difference arises from the different fuselage configurations: the King Air 200 uses a T-tail design with rear fuselage modifications that reduce the usable cabin length versus the total fuselage. For 4 to 6 passengers who value cabin length, the King Air 90 is the longer-cabin choice at lower charter rates.

How does the King Air 90 compare to Very Light Jets in speed?
The C90GTi and C90GTx cruise at 270-275 kt, which is within 15 to 20% of most entry-level VLJ cruises of 340-420 kt. On a 60-minute sector, this translates to approximately 10 to 15 minutes additional flight time versus a comparable VLJ, typically offset by a 20 to 35% charter rate saving. Business Jet Traveler confirmed the C90GT was Beechcraft's explicit "VLJ killer" - designed to match VLJ cabin sizes and approach speeds while providing twin-turboprop reliability and short-field access no VLJ can match.

Can the King Air 90 fly from London to Cannes non-stop?
Yes - Air Charter Service confirmed London to Cannes is within the King Air C90GTi's range capability. The sector is approximately 840 nm, within the GTi and GTx's approximately 980 nm NBAA range. The C90GT with its shorter 780 nm range may require a fuel stop depending on load and winds. Confirm the specific variant's range with the operator before booking for this sector.