AIN Staff

<p>Wichita-based Hawker Beechcraft yesterday reported third-quarter pre-tax profits of $62.1 million and quarterly aircraft sales of $871 million, resulting in a backlog of $5.2 billion. The company delivered 75 business airplanes (10 Hawker 850XPs, eight 900XPs, 12 400XPs, five Premier IAs and 40 King Airs) in the third quarter, up slightly from the 72 business turboprops and jets shipped in the year-ago period. In the first nine months the manufacturer shipped 199 business airplanes, up 6 percent from the 188 King Airs, Hawkers and Premiers it delivered in the same period last year. Despite the entry of very light jets into the market, King Air deliveries are up 12 percent through the end of September, indicating demand is still strong for the turboprop twins. Although the airplane was FAA type certified a year ago, no Hawker 4000s have been delivered so far this year, and the company has yet to obtain a production certificate for the super-midsize jet. Hawker Beechcraft also reported delays in the delivery of Premier IAs and T-6A Texan II military trainers “due to issues relating to supplier compliance with parts specifications.” Premier deliveries resumed last month, it said.</p>


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King Airs Are Still King for Hawker Beechcraft

Wichita-based Hawker Beechcraft yesterday reported third-quarter pre-tax profits of $62.1 million and quarterly aircraft sales of $871 million, resulting i