Beechcraft King Air 260 vs Piaggio Avanti Evo
The Beechcraft King Air 260 and the Piaggio Avanti EVO occupy different niches in the turboprop market. The King Air 260 is best described as a rugged, versatile twin‑engine turboprop suited to short- and medium-range regional missions, valued for its operational flexibility, airport access, and utility-focused cabin. The Avanti EVO is a high-speed, pressurized twin turboprop positioned closer to “turboprop jet-alternative” territory, emphasizing cruise speed and efficiency in a sleek, aerodynamic design. On range, both are capable of typical business and regional legs, but the Avanti EVO generally offers a longer-range profile in common configurations, while the King Air 260 delivers strong real-world range that can vary more with payload, runway conditions, and mission equipment. For passenger capacity, both typically seat around six to eight passengers in executive layouts, though cabin arrangements differ: the King Air 260 often prioritizes flexibility and baggage/cargo practicality, while the Avanti EVO focuses on a more streamlined business-cabin experience.
| Spec | Beechcraft King Air 260 | Piaggio Avanti EVO |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 4.30 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Flight Rules | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Beechcraft | Piaggio |
| Aircraft Name | KingAir 250 | Avanti EVO |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1420 | 1530 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.72 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3760 | 3775 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 1,333 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion | Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 310 | 400 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $6,450,000 | $ 7,695,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | 1 Flushing | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 8 | 7 |
| Lavatory Location | AFT | — |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | 6.5 | 9 |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 6 | 6 |
| SL Cabin Altitude (ft) | 15293 | 24000 |
| Max Cabin Altitude (ft) | — | 6600 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-52 | PT6A–66B |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 3600 |
| Horsepower | 850 | 850 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 37 | ISA + 28 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | 544 | — |
| Fuel Burn (gph) | — | 100 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 43.8 | 47.3 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 57.9 | 47.1 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 4.5 | 6.1 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 16.7 | 14.9 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 14.8 | 13.1 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | 4.1 | 3.5 |
| Cabin Length - Seating (ft) | 16.7 | — |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 55 | 35.2 |