Everett, WA, Sept. 20, 2007 — Hawker Beechcraft Services (HBS), Hawker Beechcraft Corporation’s network of factory service centers, will sell and install value- and performance-enhancing Winglet Systems for Beechcraft King Air 200s and 300s under the terms of a recently signed agreement with BLR Aerospace. HBS was formerly known as Raytheon Aircraft Services.
“We are pleased and proud to welcome HBS factory service centers into our dealership network,” said Dave Marone, BLR director of Sales and Marketing. “The addition of HBS complements an existing world-wide network of elite dealers and expands our reach with eight new locations.”
“The demand for winglets continues to increase, and by teaming with BLR Aerospace, we are able to deliver increased performance and reduced operating costs to King Air owners and operators,” said Hawker Beechcraft Corporation’s President Global Customer Support Bill Brown. “We are pleased to provide this product enhancement to our customers, which include hundreds of current-production and legacy aircraft.”
In addition to performance improvements, owners of winglet-equipped Beechcraft King Airs can expect an immediate, 100 percent return on their investment in the installed cost of the winglet modification, according to Carl Janssens, senior accredited appraiser with the Aircraft Bluebook Price Digest. “One-hundred percent of the cost of this modification can be added to the average retail (aircraft price) reported in the Aircraft Bluebook,” Janssens said. The new information will be reflected in the Fall 2007 Aircraft Bluebook.
Winglets deliver a range of performance benefits, including increased cruise speed (3-5 knots) or reduced fuel consumption (3-4 percent less burn), and increased vertical rate of climb (300-400 fpm). Additional benefits include reduced drag, improved handling qualities, and easy access right up to the aircraft’s service ceiling at flight level 350.
“The bottom line for operators is a measurable performance increase and a measurable return on investment,” Marone said. “The addition of Winglet Systems is a good business decision.”
Nearly 100 winglet-equipped Beechcraft King Airs are operating worldwide.
Winglet Systems are now available at seven HBS locations in the United States, including Atlanta, Houston, Indianapolis, San Antonio, Tampa, Van Nuys, and Wichita. Winglets are also available at the HBS facility in Toluca, Mexico.