AIR.ONE

Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Beechcraft Kingair Denali vs Cessna Citation M2

The Beechcraft King Air 260 is a twin‑turboprop aircraft aimed at short‑to‑medium regional missions, typically offering roughly 1,500–1,700 nautical miles of range and seating commonly configured for about 7–9 passengers, depending on interior layout. The Beechcraft King Air Denali is a newer, larger single‑engine turboprop designed to bridge high‑end turboprop utility with near‑light‑jet comfort; published targets place its range around 1,600 nautical miles, with typical seating in the 6–9 passenger class, again dependent on configuration. The Cessna Citation M2 is a very light jet, oriented toward faster point‑to‑point travel rather than short‑field utility; it generally carries about 5–7 passengers and delivers roughly 1,000–1,200 nautical miles of range. In category terms, the King Air 260 emphasizes proven twin‑engine turboprop capability and flexibility, the Denali targets modern single‑turboprop efficiency with a larger cabin feel, and the Citation M2 prioritizes jet speed and altitude for shorter business trips.

SpecBeechcraft King Air 260Beechcraft KingAir DenaliCessna Citation M2
Summary
Cockpit222
DOC / nm$ 4.30$ 4.08$ 3.45
Min Crew111
Total Seats8118
Flight RulesIFRIFR
ManufacturerBeechcraftGE® AerospaceCessna Citation
Aircraft NameKingAir 250KingAir DenaliM2
CertificationFAA / EASAFAA / EASAFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)142016001400
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.72$ 0.68$ 0.58
Max Cabin Seats897
OEM VerificationVERIFIEDVERIFIEDVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)376032803810
Standard Cabin Seats676
Direct Operating Cost$ 1,333$ 1,111$ 1,395
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Rockwell Collins Pro Line FusionRockwell Collins Pro Line FusionGarmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)310285404
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$6,450,000$4,150,000$5,150,000
Cabin
Cockpit222
Lavatory1 Flushing1 Flushing1 Enclosed Belted Flushing
Min Crew111
Total Seats8118
Max Cabin Seats897
Lavatory LocationAFTAFTAFT
Cabin Pressure (psi)6.558.5
Galley / RefreshmentNoNoNo
Standard Cabin Seats676
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)152931106522027
Crew RestNo
Jump SeatNo
Engine
FADECYesYes
ModelPT6A-52Catalyst™FJ44-1AP-21
TBO (hrs)36003500
Horsepower850
Flat RatingISA + 37ISA + 7
No. of Engines112
Fuel Capacity (gal)544492
Thrust (lbs)1965
Fuel Burn (lbph)516
Dimensions
Length (ft)43.814.8642.6
Wingspan (ft)57.954.347.3
Cabin Width (ft)4.54.54.8
Cabin Height (ft)4.84.84.8
Cabin Length (ft)16.712.611
Overall Height (ft)14.84.6514
Cabin Width - Floor (ft)4.14.13.1
Cabin Length - Seating (ft)16.712.68.8
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)5548
Aisle Step (ft)0.4
Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft)46