MEBA10: Hawker Beechcraft “to stay in the jet business”

Asked if the firm was in the jet business for the long haul, he replied: “We have absolutely no reason not to be.

“Contrary to what others are saying, we are quietly going about the business of building a world-class organisation. We have invested in new product development and our owners support us 100 per cent.”

After delivering updated briefings on the development of two new products – The Hawker 200 light jet and the King Air 250 – McGeough said: “These two aircraft are examples of the way we are taking our business to the next level.”

The Hawker 200, which will cruise at 450 knots and at 43,000 feet, is designed to fulfil “95 per cent of light jet missions”, he said. Certification of the aircraft is scheduled for the third quarter of 2012, with first deliveries in the fourth quarter of the year.

Improved field performance of the King Air 250 means that the aircraft can be operated from an additional 1,100 airfields. First deliveries are scheduled for the second quarter of next year.