Beechcraft King Air 90 Series for Sale — Buy or Sell King Air C90, E90 and F90
The Beechcraft King Air 90 Series is the aircraft that started it all — the original King Air, first flown in 1964, that launched one of the most successful and enduring product families in business aviation history. Compact, efficient, and surprisingly capable for their size, King Air 90 Series aircraft offer pressurized twin-turboprop performance at acquisition and operating costs well below those of larger King Air variants and light jets. Whether you are looking for an entry point into King Air ownership, an affordable pressurized twin for personal or business travel, or a proven platform for single-pilot operations, the King Air 90 Series delivers extraordinary value. On Airplane Trade, King Air 90 Series aircraft from all production eras are listed for buyers and sellers across the global aviation market.
A Legacy Built on Reliability
The King Air story began when Beechcraft modified the existing Model 88 Queen Air airframe to accept Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engines, creating the Model 90 — the first King Air — in 1964. The combination of proven airframe geometry and the extraordinarily reliable PT6A engine immediately attracted buyers who had previously been limited to unpressurized piston twins. Over the following six decades, Beechcraft continuously refined the King Air 90 airframe, producing a succession of variants that improved performance, avionics, comfort, and systems reliability while retaining the essential character of the original design. The King Air 90 family represents the longest continuous turboprop production run in aviation history.
Key Variants in the King Air 90 Series
- King Air 90 / A90 — Original production models (1964–1969); PT6A-6 or PT6A-20 engines; excellent entry-level collectible King Airs
- King Air C90 / C90A — Major redesign with improved cabin, PT6A-21 engines, and enhanced avionics; the most commonly available 90-series variant on the market
- King Air C90B — Updated with PT6A-21 engines (flat-rated at 550 shp) and improved hot-and-high performance; popular single-pilot turboprop
- King Air C90GTi — Garmin G1000 glass cockpit; the most technologically current 90-series variant; production ran through 2012
- King Air E90 — More powerful PT6A-28 engines (550 shp each); larger fuel capacity; improved single-engine climb; popular for demanding operators
- King Air F90 — Features the T-tail configuration of the larger King Air 200; PT6A-135 engines; higher cruise speed; distinctive variant sought by collectors and operators
Performance Specifications (King Air C90GTi)
- Engines — 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-21, 550 shp each (flat-rated)
- Maximum Cruise Speed — 272 ktas (504 km/h) at FL250
- Maximum Range — 1,379 nm (2,554 km) with NBAA IFR reserves
- Service Ceiling — 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
- Rate of Climb — 1,860 ft/min at sea level, MTOW
- Maximum Takeoff Weight — 10,145 lbs (4,602 kg)
- Useful Load — Approximately 3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
- Passenger Capacity — 6–8 passengers in various configurations
- Fuel Burn — Approximately 68–72 US gallons/hour at cruise
Operating Economy
The King Air 90 Series is one of the most economical pressurized twin turboprops available. Direct operating costs run significantly below those of King Air 200 and 350 variants, while delivering respectable cruise speeds and range for regional business travel. PT6A-21 and PT6A-28 engine overhaul costs are lower than larger PT6A variants, and the smaller airframe's maintenance requirements are proportionally less intensive. The King Air 90's ability to be operated legally under Part 91 by a single appropriately rated and current pilot further reduces crew costs, making it a genuinely attractive ownership proposition for individual owner-operators.
Buying a King Air 90 Series: What to Look For
- Engine times and AD compliance — PT6A engines in the 90 series family have TBOs ranging from 3,000–3,600 hours; verify current times and hot section inspection history
- Airframe total time and corrosion status — Many 90-series aircraft are approaching high airframe times; commission a thorough inspection including corrosion control records
- Pressurization system — Inspect outflow valve, cabin door seals, and controller; verify cabin climb and descent rates meet published specifications
- Avionics for intended operations — Confirm ADS-B Out compliance; assess GPS, autopilot, and weather radar capability for planned missions
- Maintenance program — MSP or JSSI engine program enrollment significantly reduces budget uncertainty
Buy or Sell a Beechcraft King Air 90 Series on Airplane Trade
At Airplane Trade, we serve the full spectrum of King Air buyers and sellers — from first-time turboprop owners stepping into a C90B to seasoned operators upgrading from an aging E90. The King Air 90 Series offers an outstanding combination of capability, economy, and prestige that few aircraft can match at comparable price points. List your King Air 90 today with complete engine logs, avionics details, and maintenance history to reach the serious buyers our marketplace attracts, or browse current inventory to find the 90-series King Air that fits your mission and budget.