The jet celebrates 20 years of supporting RAAF King Airs

Jet Aviation is celebrating 20 years of supporting the Royal Australian Air Force’s Beechcraft King Air 350 this month. Since 2002, Jet Aviation has maintained the turboprop twin from its factory in East Sale, Australia.

Initially, General Dynamics was contracted to lease and fully support modified King Air 350s for 10 years. In 2012, this contract was extended for another 10 years and included support for more than 110,000 flight hours, airborne training, light transport and support for the Army. Jet Aviation East Sale maintains 11 of these aircraft operated by No. 32 Squadron.

“The King Air 350 program is a demonstration of the unique capabilities that can be available when developing commercial aircraft and support systems to deliver defense outcomes,” said Jet Aviation Defense APAC Vice President Craig Puri. “From the outset, the capability has proven to be safe, reliable, flexible and effective for the Australian Defense Force. I am especially proud of our employees, those who were with us at the beginning, like Hawker Pacific, and those who continue with us today, like Jet Aviation. All of them have contributed to the development of the capacity over the past 20 years.”