What is the annual operating cost of a King Air 90?

For 100 hours/year, expect $65,000–$78,000 in total operating costs. Turboprops offer reliability, altitude, and proven performance; costs reflect premium prestige platform.

How much fuel does King Air 90 burn?

PT6A-20 turboprops burn 20–24 gal/hr combined cruise. Jet-A at $5.50/gal ranges $110–$132/hour.

What is King Air 90 engine TBO?

PT6A-20: 3,500 hours TBO; $30,000–$38,000 overhaul each. Engine reserve $17–$22/hour combined.

How much does King Air insurance cost?

Annual insurance: $4,000–$6,000 for $400,000–$500,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours.

Can you finance a King Air 90?

Yes. A $400,000 King Air 90 at 6.5% APR over 7 years costs ~$6,000/month ($72,000/year).

What is King Air 90 useful load?

King Air 90: 3,000–3,200 lbs useful load. Nine-seat configuration or high-payload cargo operations.

How does King Air 90 compare to King Air 350?

King Air 350 costs 40–50% more to operate; faster, pressurized, larger cabin. King Air 90 offers value entry to King Air platform.

What is King Air 90 TCO with financing?

At 100 hours/year: ~$138,000–$150,000 annually (operating + debt). By year 8 (loan paid): ~$65,000–$78,000/year.

What maintenance does King Air 90 require?

Annual inspection $2,500–$3,500, turboprop-specific maintenance $30–$40/hour. Proven reliability worldwide.

Is King Air 90 good for commercial operations?

Yes. Proven platform for charter, cargo, air ambulance. Reliability and parts availability justify premium operating costs.

The True Operating Cost of Beechcraft King Air 90

The Beechcraft King Air 90 is a legendary twin-turboprop offering unmatched reliability, altitude capability (25,000 ft), and proven commercial platform performance. Plan for $65,000–$78,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $650–$780 per hour. Higher fuel burn and maintenance reflect premium turboprop technology; however, PT6A engines offer 3,500-hour TBO and legendary durability. The King Air platform dominates regional transport, charter, and special operations worldwide.

Quick Specs: Beechcraft King Air 90

Specification	King Air 90 (Current)
Engines	2 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20 (550 hp each)
Fuel Burn	20–24 gal/hr combined cruise
Cruise Speed	200–215 mph
Service Ceiling	25,000 ft
Useful Load	3,000–3,200 lbs
Seats	6–9
Range	1,500–2,000 nm

TL;DR: King Air 90 Annual Operating Cost Summary

Fixed costs: $28,000–$36,000/year (insurance $4,200–$6,000, hangar $6,600–$8,400, annuals $3,000–$4,200)
Variable costs at 100 hours: $37,000–$42,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oil, engine reserves)
Total at 100 hours: $65,000–$78,000/year (~$650–$780/hour)
Finance a $400,000 King Air 90: Add $6,000/month ($72,000/year) at 6.5% over 7 years
At 50 hours: ~$48,500–$57,000/year (~$970–$1,140/hour)
At 200 hours: ~$102,000–$120,000/year (~$510–$600/hour)

Turboprop Operating Costs

Fixed Costs

Insurance: $4,200–$6,000/year for $400,000–$500,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours
Hangar: $6,600–$8,400/year (turboprops require climate-controlled storage)
Annual inspection: $3,000–$4,200 labor (turboprop-specific systems)
Type rating/recurrent training: $1,500–$2,500/year

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Jet-A fuel: 22 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$121/hour
Oil and filter: $6–$8/hour (turboprops consume more oil)
Engine reserve: $17–$22/hour ($35K per engine ÷ 3,500 TBO × 2)
Prop maintenance reserve: $8–$12/hour
Turboprop maintenance: $40–$50/hour (fuel heaters, gearboxes, governors)
Landing fees: $10–$25/landing

Fuel Burn & Jet-A Costs

Fuel Cost Breakdown

Annual Hours	Gallons	Cost @ $5.50/gal	$/Hour
50	1,100	$6,050	$121
100	2,200	$12,100	$121
150	3,300	$18,150	$121
200	4,400	$24,200	$121

Maintenance & PT6A Engine Reserves

Legendary PT6A Engines

Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20: 3,500 hours TBO (longest in twin-turboprop class)
Overhaul cost: $35,000–$42,000 per engine
Combined reserve: $70,000–$84,000 ÷ 3,500 = $20–$24/hour
Parts availability: Excellent worldwide support; proven reliability

Turboprop-Specific Maintenance

Fuel heater maintenance: $300–$600/year
Propeller governor overhauls: $1,200–$1,800 each
Gearbox inspections: $400–$700/year
Condition monitoring trending: $600–$1,000/year
Budget: $40–$50/hour for turboprop-specific maintenance

Insurance & Storage

Insurance Premiums

$400,000 hull, 500+ hours, turboprop typed: $4,500–$5,500/year
$450,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $5,500–$7,000/year
Commercial charter: +30–50% premium

Storage Costs

Option	Monthly	Annual
Climate-Controlled Hangar	$550–$700	$6,600–$8,400
Standard Hangar	$450–$550	$5,400–$6,600

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year	Fixed	Variable	Total	$/Hour
50	$32,000	$16,500	$48,500	$970
100	$32,000	$33,000	$65,000	$650
200	$32,000	$66,000	$98,000	$490

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $400,000 King Air 90, 6.5% APR, 7 years = $72,000/year debt service.

Hours/Year	Operating	Finance	Total	$/Hour
100	$65,000	$72,000	$137,000	$1,370
200	$98,000	$72,000	$170,000	$850

Financing the King Air 90

Purchase price: $350,000–$450,000 (depends on year, avionics, airframe hours)
Down payment: 15–20%
Loan amount: $300,000–$380,000
Term: 7–10 years
APR: 6.0–7.25% (2025)
Monthly payment: $4,800–$6,000

Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, turboprop type-rated, $200,000+ annual income, hull insurance $400K+, comprehensive appraisal. Lenders like JakenAviation favor King Airs for charter operators and commercial missions.

King Air 90 vs. Competitors

vs. King Air 350: 350 costs 40–50% more; faster, pressurized, larger cabin
vs. Cessna 425: King Air 90 more reliable; Cessna 425 cheaper to buy
vs. TBM 850: Single-engine TBM cheaper to operate; King Air 90 twin-engine safety

Get prequalified for turboprop aircraft financing »

Sources: Beechcraft King Air Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS