Beechcraft King Air 200 vs Beechcraft King Air 250

The King Air 200 and the King Air 250 are not two different aircraft — they are the same aircraft at different points in Beechcraft's model naming history. The King Air 200 (introduced in the early 1970s and produced in progressive variants through the B200 series) became one of the most widely operated turboprops in the world: PT6A-powered, pressurized, eight-to-nine seat capacity, and a production run that made it the default choice across corporate flight departments, regional operators, and fractional programs worldwide. In 2009, Textron Beechcraft rebranded the current production B200 as the King Air 250 as part of a lineup refresh — bringing the PT6A-52 engine variant and contemporary avionics options including the Garmin G1000, while retaining the same airframe, pressurized cabin, and basic systems that operators had flown since the 1970s. For buyers evaluating the used market, this history matters: a 2010 King Air 250 and a 2008 B200 are effectively the same aircraft, differing primarily in age and whatever STC upgrades each has accumulated.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Beechcraft King Air 200
For sale now
95
Median asking
$1,495,000
Range
$253,500–$3,170,000
Model years available
1971–2013
Beechcraft King Air 250
For sale now
20
Model years available
2011–2020

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft King Air 200 Beechcraft King Air 250
Beechcraft King Air 200
View 39 listings →
Median $1,495,000
 Beechcraft King Air 250
View 21 listings →
Median $4,347,000
Price Range $253,500 – $3,170,000 $3,853,800 – $4,840,200
Category Multi Engine Turboprop Multi Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 9 10
Horsepower 850 HP 850 HP
Cruise Speed 272 kts (504 km/h) 310 kts (574 km/h)
Range 1,580 nm (2,926 km) 1,720 nm (3,185 km)
Service Ceiling 35,000 ft (10,668 m) 35,000 ft (10,668 m)
Max Gross Weight 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg)
Useful Load 4,045 lbs (1,835 kg) 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg)
Fuel Capacity 544.0 gal (2059 L) —
Fuel Burn 80.0 GPH (303 L/h) 105.0 GPH (397 L/h)
TBO 3,600 hrs 3,600 hrs
Overhaul Cost $380,000 $400,000
Annual Fixed $180,000 $200,000
Hourly Variable $950 $1,100
Engines 2 x Turboprop 2 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft King Air 200

Fuel$440/hr
Variable$950/hr
Annual Fixed$180,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $370,000/yr

Beechcraft King Air 250

Fuel$578/hr
Variable$1,100/hr
Annual Fixed$200,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $420,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft King Air 200 or Beechcraft King Air 250?

Bottom line: Choose a King Air B200 (pre-2009 designation) for the mature used platform with proven systems, an enormous available fleet, and appraisal data going back decades. B200s are among the most common turboprops in the world — deep MRO support, strong parts availability, and the track record that makes pre-purchase valuation straightforward. Choose a King Air 250 (2009+) when buying newer production or seeking the standardized PT6A-52 engines and modern avionics packages that 250-designated aircraft typically carried at delivery. Safety axis: the King Air 200/250 family has an exceptional safety record built on the PT6A's reliability and the type's comprehensive training infrastructure. The meaningful operational safety variable for any King Air 200/250 buyer is icing certification — FIKI (Flight Into Known Icing) is available on B200 and King Air 250 variants and meaningfully expands the operational envelope in winter IFR. Confirm FIKI installation status on any specific aircraft before purchase if winter operations are central to the mission.

Pick the King Air 200 if…

  • Budget matters — from $253,500 vs $3,853,800, you save ~$3,600,300.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$950/hr vs $1100/hr.
  • More inventory — 39 listings vs 21.

Pick the King Air 250 if…

  • More seats — 10 vs 9.
  • Faster cruise — 310 kts vs 272 kts.
  • Longer range — 1720 nm vs 1580 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 2011 vs 1974.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any real mechanical difference between the King Air B200 and the King Air 250?
Minimal. The King Air 250 standardized on the PT6A-52 engine variant and introduced contemporary avionics options including the Garmin G1000 NXi. Aerodynamically and structurally, the B200 and King Air 250 share the same airframe and cabin dimensions. On the used market, buyers will find both designations; evaluate hours, avionics fit, FIKI status, and maintenance history — not the nameplate. A 2007 B200 with a Garmin upgrade and FIKI is often more capable than a basic early King Air 250.
How many passengers does the King Air 200/250 typically carry?
Standard corporate configurations seat six to eight passengers depending on interior layout — most common is a pilot-plus-seven or pilot-plus-eight configuration with forward-facing club seats and individual aft positions. Commuter configurations can reach nine. The aircraft's useful load of approximately 3,000 lbs allows full passenger loads with reasonable luggage on typical missions.
What is the King Air 200/250's cruise speed and range?
The King Air B200/250 cruises at approximately 270–290 kt true airspeed at typical operating altitudes. Fuel-full range with IFR reserves runs approximately 1,400–1,600 nm depending on payload, configuration, and altitude. The PT6A engine's efficiency improves at higher altitudes — the 200/250 typically operates at FL250–FL300 for optimal cruise. At lighter loads, range extends; operators most commonly plan for missions under 1,200 nm with fuel margin.
Which is better, Beechcraft King Air 200 or Beechcraft King Air 250?
It depends on your mission and budget. The King Air 200 cruises at 272 kts with 1,580 nm range. The King Air 250 cruises at 310 kts with 1,720 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft King Air 200: from $995,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft King Air 200 and Beechcraft King Air 250?
Seats: 9 vs 10. Cruise: 272 vs 310 kts. Range: 1580 vs 1720 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
King Air 200: about $950/hr variable cost. King Air 250: about $1100/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
King Air 200: 9 seats / 4,045 lb useful load. King Air 250: 10 seats / 3,300 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
King Air 200: 3,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$380,000. King Air 250: 3,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data