Beechcraft King Air 90 vs Socata TBM 900

The Beechcraft King Air (90 or 200) and Daher TBM are different-class turboprops — the King Air is a pressurised twin-turboprop (~250-290 kt); the TBM is a single-engine turboprop (~320-330 kt with TBM 930/940) on one PT6.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Beechcraft King Air 90
For sale now
116
Median asking
$1,172,500
Range
$413,000–$3,117,025
Model years available
1965–2014
Socata TBM 900
For sale now
11
Model years available
2014–2023

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 90 Socata TBM 900
Beechcraft King Air 90
View 7 listings →
Median $1,172,500
 Socata TBM 900
View 10 listings →
Median $2,970,000
Price Range $413,000 – $3,117,025 $2,737,500 – $3,041,000
Category Multi Engine Turboprop Single Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 10 6
Horsepower 550 HP 850 HP
Cruise Speed 215 kts (398 km/h) 330 kts (611 km/h)
Range 1,060 nm (1,963 km) 1,730 nm (3,204 km)
Service Ceiling 30,000 ft (9,144 m) 31,000 ft (9,449 m)
Useful Load 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) 1,400 lbs (635 kg)
Fuel Burn 65.0 GPH (246 L/h) 60.0 GPH (227 L/h)
TBO 3,600 hrs —
Engines 2 x Turboprop 1 x Turboprop

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft King Air 90 or Socata TBM 900?

Bottom line: Choose the TBM for the most efficient single-engine high-performance machine, single-pilot ease and higher cruise. Step up to the King Air when you need twin-engine redundancy, larger cabin and the operational profile of a true cabin-class turboprop.

Pick the King Air 90 if…

  • Budget matters — from $413,000 vs $2,737,500, you save ~$2,324,500.
  • More seats — 10 vs 6.

Pick the TBM 900 if…

  • Faster cruise — 330 kts vs 215 kts.
  • Longer range — 1730 nm vs 1060 nm.
  • More inventory — 10 listings vs 7.

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 Socata TBM 900?
It depends on your mission and budget. The King Air 90 cruises at 215 kts with 1,060 nm range. The TBM 900 cruises at 330 kts with 1,730 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft King Air 90 and Socata TBM 900?
King Air 90 engine: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-6 (550 hp). Seats: 10 vs 6. Cruise: 215 vs 330 kts. Range: 1060 vs 1730 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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. TBM 900: 6 seats / 1,400 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 90: 3,600-hour TBO. 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data