Beeechcraft 350i

AeroPearl has taken the delivery of two new King Air 350i turboprops from Hawker Pacific, which will be used to support AeroPearl’s flight inspection contract with Airservices Australia.

The new aircraft will be based in Brisbane, Australia, and will replace the firm’s two ageing King Airs.

AeroPearl business centre manager Mark Simpson said: "The new King Air 350i turboprops represented an ongoing investment in the company’s market leading flight inspection fleet."

Powered by two engines from Pratt & Whitney Canada, the turboprop offers a fuel capacity of 5,192lb and a max takeoff weight of 16,500lb, while providing a range of 2,200nm with maximum fuel for more than eight hours.

Tony Jones, vice president of Hawker Pacific aircraft Sales and flight services, said: "These King Air 350i turboprops will provide unmatched value, fuel efficiency and comfort, while also meeting the very specific needs of Aeropearl in fulfilling its contractual obligations with Airservices Australia."

"These King Air 350i turboprops will provide unmatched value, fuel efficiency and comfort."

With a seating capacity of eight passengers, King Air 350i is claimed to offer lower operating costs per seat per mile over its competitors.

The aircraft’s interior includes a new Rockwell Collins Venue high-definition cabin management system, which allows plug-and-play access for laptops, smart phones and digital media players.

Optional features of the new system include an aft media cabinet with Blueray DVD player, Airshow moving maps, XM satellite radio and AirCell Axxess II cabin phone.

The turboprop’s flight deck, featuring Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 integrated avionics suite, provides users with easy-access; its three 8in x 10in LCDs are claimed to complement the whole Pro Line 21 digital communications, navigation and surveillance (CNS) system.

Image: King Air 350i turboprops can be deployed for missions such as air ambulance, aerial surveillance and reconnaissance. Photo: courtesy of Hawker Beechcraft Corporation.