Hawker Beechcraft’s Premier II aircraft will be postponed until 2012 despite completing the first successful test flight of the aircraft’s new engines .

The light-jet was initially scheduled for its first flight in April 2009, but the company has since decided to extend the entry-into-service date to 2012 or even early 2013 to better align with the anticipated rebound of the business jet market, which has suffered during the global economic recession.

Hawker Beechcraft chairman and CEO Bill Boisture said that while the firm remained fully committed to certifying and fielding the class-leading Premier II as designed, we must be prudent in our evaluation of the current and forecasted global economic environment.

The aircraft recently conducted successful tests of the Williams International FJ44-3AP engines, each producing 3,000lb of thrust will allow the Premier II to fly 1,500nm with one pilot and four passengers. The company also recently marked the entry of the first Premier II fuselage onto the assembly line.

The new light business jet is an evolution of the Premier IA, which features higher cruise speeds and a 20% longer range with four passengers and an increased payload.

The first prototype flight is for Premier II is expected to take place in December 2009.