The True Operating Cost of King Air C90

The Beechcraft King Air C90 is the world's most successful twin-engine turboprop offering nine-seat capacity, exceptional payload, and unmatched capability. Plan for $235,000–$295,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $2,350–$2,950 per hour. The King Air C90 dominates utility and corporate markets with proven performance.

Quick Specs: King Air C90

Specification C90
Engines 2 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20 (550 shp each)
Fuel Burn 180–210 gal/hr cruise
Cruise Speed 250–300 mph
Service Ceiling 35,000 ft
Useful Load 4,100–4,800 lbs
Seats 9
Range 1,800–2,200 nm

TL;DR: King Air C90 Annual Operating Cost Summary

  • Fixed costs: $65,000–$85,000/year (insurance $18,000–$25,000, hangar $28,000–$36,000, annuals $14,000–$18,000, crew)
  • Variable costs at 100 hours: $170,000–$210,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
  • Total at 100 hours: $235,000–$295,000/year (~$2,350–$2,950/hour)
  • Finance a $3,200,000 C90: Add $47,000/month ($564,000/year) at 6.5% over 12 years
  • At 50 hours: ~$157,500–$202,500/year (~$3,150–$4,050/hour)
  • At 200 hours: ~$340,000–$420,000/year (~$1,700–$2,100/hour)

Twin Turboprop Utility Operating Costs

Fixed Costs

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Jet Fuel & Operating Economics

Fuel Cost by Hours

Annual Hours Gallons Jet-A Cost @ $5.50/gal $/Hour
50 9,750 $53,625 $1,072
100 19,500 $107,250 $1,072
150 29,250 $160,875 $1,072
200 39,000 $214,500 $1,072

Maintenance & Engine Reserves

Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20 Engines

Twin Turboprop Maintenance

Insurance & Storage

Twin Turboprop Insurance

Storage Costs

Option Monthly Annual
Twin Turboprop Hangar $2,300–$3,000 $27,600–$36,000
Tie-Down $600–$1,000 $7,200–$12,000

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year Fixed Variable Total $/Hour
50 $75,000 $92,000 $167,000 $3,340
100 $75,000 $184,000 $259,000 $2,590
200 $75,000 $368,000 $443,000 $2,215

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $3,200,000 King Air C90, 6.5% APR, 12 years = $564,000/year debt service.

Hours/Year Operating Finance Total $/Hour
100 $259,000 $564,000 $823,000 $8,230
200 $443,000 $564,000 $1,007,000 $5,035

Financing the King Air C90

Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, twin turboprop experience, $500,000+ annual revenue, business plan, hull insurance $3.5M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support utility aircraft financing.

King Air C90 vs. Competitors

Get prequalified for utility aircraft financing »

Sources: Beechcraft Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS