Beechcraft has secured an order for 105 King Air 350i aircraft in what is thought to be the largest propellor aircraft deal ever signed.
Valued at $US788 million, the mammoth deal was struck to supply aircraft to Wheels Up, a membership-based private aviation program.
The first 35 King Airs will be delivered to Wheels Up between now and mid-2015 with the first nine deliveries to be made by the end of this year. The deal includes options for 70 additional aircraft as Wheels Up expands nationally over the next two to three years.
Bill Boisture, Beechcraft Chief Executive Officer, said, “The Beechcraft King Air 350i is the perfect aircraft for Wheels Up due to its proven track record of tremendous flexibility and efficiency for regional travel. The pairing of the 350i and support from our world-class maintenance organization with the innovative founders and management team of Wheels Up is a winning combination.”
The Wheels Up King Airs will have several special enhancements for members including state-of-the-art interiors, Wi-Fi connectivity and a luxury "lavatory vanity". The Wheels Up deal also includes a comprehensive maintenance program from Beechcraft valued at more than $600 million.