Beechcraft King Air 90 vs Beechcraft King Air 300
The King Air 90 (light, ~250 kt) and King Air 300 (large, ~315 kt) are very different King Airs — the 300 has dramatically more power (PT6A-60A) and ~25% more useful load than the 90.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft King Air 90 | Beechcraft King Air 300 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $229,000 – $3,699,000 | $500,000 – $2,575,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Turboprop | Multi Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 9 |
| Cruise Speed | 215 kts (398 km/h) | 295 kts (546 km/h) |
| Range | 1,060 nm (1,963 km) | 1,700 nm (3,148 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 35,000 ft (10,668 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 14,000 lbs (6,350 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) | 4,200 lbs (1,905 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 544.0 gal (2059 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 85.0 GPH (322 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 3,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $200,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $1,050 |
| Engines | 2 x Turboprop | 2 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft King Air 90
Beechcraft King Air 300
Fuel$468/hr
Variable$1,050/hr
Annual Fixed$200,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$410,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft King Air 90 or Beechcraft King Air 300?
Bottom line: Choose the 90 for light-King-Air economics. Step up to the 300 for hot-and-high performance, much higher cruise and ~25% more useful load — when the mission demands a larger, faster turboprop twin.
Pick the King Air 90 if…
- Budget matters — from $229,000 vs $500,000, you save ~$271,000.
- More seats — 10 vs 9.
- More inventory — 122 listings vs 17.
Pick the King Air 300 if…
- Faster cruise — 295 kts vs 215 kts.
- Longer range — 1700 nm vs 1060 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1966.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Beechcraft King Air 90 or Beechcraft King Air 300?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The King Air 90 cruises at 215 kts with 1,060 nm range.
The King Air 300 cruises at 295 kts with 1,700 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft King Air 300: from $1,895,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft King Air 90 and Beechcraft King Air 300?
King Air 90 engine: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-6.
Seats: 10 vs 9.
Cruise: 215 vs 295 kts.
Range: 1060 vs 1700 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
King Air 300: about $1050/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 90: 10 seats / 2,700 lb useful load.
King Air 300: 9 seats / 4,200 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 300: 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