Aircraft overview

The Beechcraft King Air 90 is the original member of the King Air turboprop family, developed by Beech Aircraft as a pressurized, twin engine business and utility aircraft. The Model 90 first flew in 1964, and the 90 series remained in production in successive forms until the C90GTx era ended in 2021. It matters in the used market because it combines turbine reliability, short field utility and a cabin class layout in an aircraft that is smaller and less costly to operate than the larger King Air 200 and 300 series.

Performance & specifications

Performance depends strongly on variant, engine fit and propeller configuration. Typical King Air 90 cruise speeds range from about 220 to 270 knots, with later C90GT, C90GTi and C90GTx aircraft at the upper end. Practical range is commonly around 900 to 1,200 nautical miles with reserves and payload dependent planning. Certified service ceiling is generally up to 30,000 feet. Power comes from Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprops, with common versions including PT6A-20, PT6A-21, PT6A-28, PT6A-135 and PT6A-135A installations across the family. Useful load varies by model and modification status, with later aircraft benefiting from gross weight increases and aerodynamic refinements.

Cabin & avionics

The King Air 90 cabin is pressurized and typically arranged for five to seven passengers, often with club seating, an aft side facing seat or belted lavatory depending on configuration. The cabin is narrower and shorter than a King Air 200, but retains the familiar airstair door, baggage provisions and low cabin altitude profile that made the type popular for owner flown and corporate missions. Avionics vary widely. Early aircraft may have analog panels or mixed upgrades, while later C90GTi and C90GTx aircraft were delivered with Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21. Garmin G1000 and G1000 NXi retrofit installations are also seen on upgraded examples.

Buying & value

Buyers should compare the exact variant, engine time, hot section and overhaul status, propeller life, pressurization condition, corrosion history, landing gear compliance and avionics upgrade quality. Common value drivers include Blackhawk engine conversions, Raisbeck aerodynamic and performance packages, Garmin panel upgrades and factory gross weight improvements on later models. The King Air 90 usually occupies a practical position below the King Air 200 in acquisition cost and cabin size, while offering turbine redundancy and strong airport flexibility. Current PlaneFox used market data shows an average asking price of about EUR 1,670,000, with listed aircraft ranging from roughly EUR 500,000 to EUR 3,190,000, reflecting the wide spread between early airframes and late, upgraded C90GTx examples.