Beechcraft 1900 Buying Guide
The Beechcraft 1900 is a turboprop aircraft renowned for its reliability and its ability to transport up to 19 passengers over a distance of 1700 km. Equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67D engines, this aircraft offers a cruising speed of 500 km/h, making it ideal for regional travel. The Beechcraft 1900 stands out for its generous cabin space, with a height and width of 1.83 m, and a length of 7.3 m, ensuring optimal comfort for passengers.
This guide will provide you with all the necessary information to evaluate the purchase of a Beechcraft 1900, covering the current market, operating costs, purchase and charter options, as well as advice for finalizing the acquisition. For more details, consult our dedicated page: Beechcraft 1900.
Beechcraft 1900 Market and Budget
New and Used Prices
| Condition | Low Range | High Range | Note |
|---|
| Used | 3.5M USD | 5.5M USD | Depending on condition and history |
On the used market, the Beechcraft 1900 has a price range of 3.5 to 5.5 million USD. The aircraft’s value depends heavily on its general condition, maintenance history, and flight hours. With no new production, acquisition is primarily through the secondary market.
Availability and Lead Times
With a limited number of aircraft in the global fleet, the Beechcraft 1900 remains a popular option for regional airlines and private operators. Used market transactions can take several months, depending on availability and negotiations. The absence of new production means there is no order book.
Residual Value
| Reference | Value USD | Estimated Value n+3 | Estimated Value n+5 | Depreciation |
|---|
| New | N/A | N/A | N/A | ~25% over 5 years |
The residual value of the Beechcraft 1900 is influenced by turboprop market trends, technological innovations, and the aircraft’s overall condition. A good maintenance program can significantly improve residual value.
Full Initial Budget
| Item | Estimated Amount | % of Purchase Price |
|---|
| Purchase Price | 4,500,000 USD | 100% |
| PPI Fees (0.5-1%) | 22,500-45,000 USD | 0.5-1% |
| Legal Fees | 50,000 USD | 1.11% |
| First Year Insurance | 100,000 USD | 2.22% |
| Potential Modifications | 150,000 USD | 3.33% |
| Total | 4,822,500-4,845,000 USD | 107.22-107.67% |
Beechcraft 1900 Operating Costs (OpEx)
Annual Fixed Costs
| Item | Annual Cost USD | Notes |
|---|
| Crew | 200,000 USD | 2 pilots + flight attendant |
| Hangar | 100,000 USD | Depending on location |
| Hull Insurance | 100,000 USD | Included in fixed costs |
| JSSI Engine Contracts | 30,000 USD | Engine support program |
| Navigation Subscriptions | 20,000 USD | Charts and database |
| Total | 450,000 USD | |
Variable Costs per Hour
| Item | Cost/hour USD | Assumptions |
|---|
| Fuel | 198 USD | 220 L/h at 0.9 USD/L |
| Scheduled Maintenance | 500-1,000 USD | Depending on program and usage |
| Airport/Navigation Fees | 200-600 USD | Varies by route and airport |
| Total Variable | 1,200-1,800 USD | |
Maintenance Deadlines
| Type | Interval Hours | Estimated Cost USD | Downtime Duration |
|---|
| Check A | 200h | 10,000 USD | 2-3 days |
| Check B | 800h | 40,000 USD | 1-2 weeks |
| Check C | 1600h | 100,000 USD | 3-6 weeks |
| Engine TBO | 3600h | 300,000 USD | 4-8 weeks |
Maintenance programs such as JSSI or ESP can offer cost predictability and peace of mind in case of unforeseen repairs.
Annual Comparison by Usage Intensity
| Item | 150h/year | 300h/year | 500h/year |
|---|
| Fixed Costs | 450,000 USD | 450,000 USD | 450,000 USD |
| Fuel | 29,700 USD | 59,400 USD | 99,000 USD |
| Maintenance | 195,300 USD | 390,600 USD | 651,000 USD |
| Fees | 27,000 USD | 54,000 USD | 90,000 USD |
| Annual Total | 702,000 USD | 954,000 USD | 1.3M USD |
These figures are estimates based on a jet fuel price of 0.9 USD/L and a consumption of 220 L/h.
Buy or Charter a Beechcraft 1900: Cost-Usage Arbitration
Initial Costs (Purchase vs. Charter)
Buying a Beechcraft 1900 ties up significant capital, while chartering offers flexibility with a variable cost of 2,900 EUR/h. Purchasing becomes economically viable beyond 250 flight hours per year.
5-Year Scenarios
| Scenario | Hours/year | Total 5-year purchase cost | Total 5-year charter cost | Difference |
|---|
| 150h | 150 | 3,510,000 USD | 2,175,000 EUR | Purchase less profitable |
| 300h | 300 | 4,770,000 USD | 4,350,000 EUR | Purchase competitive |
| 500h | 500 | 6,500,000 USD | 7,250,000 EUR | Purchase advantageous |
Break-even Point
The break-even point for purchasing a Beechcraft 1900 is around 250 flight hours per year. Beyond this threshold, the amortization of fixed costs makes purchasing more economical than chartering. Charter a Beechcraft 1900
Where to Buy a Beechcraft 1900
Buying through a broker offers additional security through due diligence and negotiation services, while direct purchase can reduce costs but requires greater expertise. A PPI is highly recommended to assess the aircraft’s condition.
Specialized Brokers vs. Direct Purchase
Choosing between a broker and a direct purchase depends on your experience and risk tolerance. Brokers offer valuable expertise and can facilitate the process, while direct purchase can reduce initial costs but requires more rigorous management.
Beechcraft 1900 Owner Reviews
“The Beechcraft 1900 is a robust machine with relatively simple maintenance. With its PT6A-67D engines, it offers excellent fuel efficiency and reliability. Its ability to land on short runways is a major asset for our operations in mountainous regions.”
— Operations Director, Alps
“As a Beechcraft 1900 owner, I appreciate its spacious cabin and competitive operating costs. With a range of 1700 km, it’s perfect for our island network. The Honeywell SPZ-8000 avionics suite is a plus for safety and flight management.”
— CEO, Caribbean
These testimonials highlight the versatility and reliability of the Beechcraft 1900, particularly valued in demanding environments.
Read all Beechcraft 1900 reviews
Finalizing the Beechcraft 1900 Acquisition
Key Acquisition Steps
- Pre-agreement
- PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection)
- Legal/Tax Due Diligence
- Registration (N-number, F-XXXX, etc.)
- Insurance Transfer
Registration can offer tax and operational advantages depending on the chosen registry, with popular options including the USA, Cayman Islands, Malta, and France.
Financing
Financing options for the Beechcraft 1900 acquisition include specialized bank loans, operating leases, or finance leases. Each option has its own down payment requirements and conditions.
| Financing Method | Required Down Payment | Indicative Rate | Duration |
|---|
| Aviation Bank Loan | 20-30% | 4-7% | 5-10 years |
| Operating Lease | 0-10% | 5-8% | 3-7 years |
| Finance Lease | 15-25% | 6-9% | 5-12 years |
