Hawker Beechcraft Services Chester Sees Interest Rise for King Air Blackhawk Engine Upgrades
FARNBOROUGH, U.K. (July 9, 2012) – Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) today announced its Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS) facility in Chester is experiencing a growing interest for the Blackhawk engine upgrade available on all King Air 200 series aircraft.
The upgrade includes two factory-new engines with new engine warranty from Pratt & Whitney. The new engines have a larger, improved gas generator so they run cooler and more efficiently providing increased power at altitude. The result is better climb and cruise speeds allowing for an increase in maximum range coupled with reduced operating and maintenance costs.
“Just more than 200 Blackhawk King Air engine upgrades have been completed worldwide, making it the most successful King Air engine upgrade program by far,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Global Customer Support. “The Blackhawk upgrade provides proven elevated performance levels and safety in a simple bolt-on package requiring minimal airframe modification for a little more than the cost of an overhaul.”
HBS Chester recently completed a Blackhawk upgrade on a Super King Air 200 twin-engine turboprop owned by Cardiff-based DragonFly Executive Air Charter and is expecting further orders for the upgrade to factory-new P&W PT6A-61 engines as owners look to maximize their aircraft’s potential.
“I am delighted by the Blackhawk upgrade, which has radically improved the performance of my King Air,” said Howard Palser, CEO of DragonFly Executive Air Charter. “Not only has it improved the efficiency of the aircraft and reduced operating costs, it has also added value to the airframe for future resale purposes. This upgrade makes absolute sense as it improves the service we can offer our clients, while strengthening our finances. I was also impressed by the professionalism and attention to detail exhibited by both the engineering and support staff at Hawker Beechcraft Services in Chester. I know my aircraft could not have been in better hands, and I would recommend this upgrade to any operator.”
Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., GCS is dedicated to improving the value of Hawker Beechcraft Corporation aircraft by employing products and services to simplify aircraft ownership, reduce operating cost and increase resale value. GCS is comprised of five functional groups that include Support Plus (cost predictability/warranty programs), Hawker Beechcraft Parts & Distribution (genuine factory parts), Hawker Beechcraft Services (factory-owned service centers), Technical Support (Field Support Representatives, Hot Line specialists and Technical Publications) and Global Mission Support (government business and special mission maintenance / training support).
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission, light attack and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.
