Textron Aviation Inc. (NYSE:TXT) is celebrating a milestone in its aviation history. This week saw the introduction of a special 60th anniversary edition of its iconic Beechcraft King Air 260 and 360 turboprops.
Dubbed the “Crimson Edition,” this commemorative aircraft pays homage to six decades of excellence in the business turboprop market.
The King Air Legacy
Since its debut in 1964, the Beechcraft King Air has dominated the business turboprop sector, becoming synonymous with reliability, exceptional performance, and unmatched versatility.
With over 7,800 aircraft delivered and more than 64 million flight hours logged globally, the King Air has secured its place as the best-selling business turboprop family worldwide.

The Crimson Edition
The anniversary edition introduces a striking new aesthetic that catches the eye and captures the imagination.
The exterior features a bold metallic-like crimson, silver, and black paint scheme, creating a dynamic and modern look.
The iconic Beechcraft “B” proudly adorns the aircraft’s tail, serving as a reminder of the brand’s rich heritage.
Christi Tannahill, senior vice president of Customer Experience at Textron Aviation, explains, “The Crimson Edition King Air offers an immersive experience. It honors the turboprop’s legacy while showcasing modern luxuries and upgrades.”
“We’re proud to celebrate this aircraft that has been cherished by customers worldwide for six decades.”

Exterior Enhancements
Adding to the aircraft’s sleek appearance is a newly designed boarding step. With hidden fasteners, it creates a seamless entry point finished in graphite silver.
This perfectly complements the overall design scheme. This attention to detail exemplifies the thoughtful approach taken in crafting this special edition.
Interior Luxury Meets Heritage
Stepping inside the Crimson Edition reveals an interior that seamlessly blends the King Air’s proud history with contemporary luxury.
Designers tastefully incorporated the familiar Beechcraft “B” logo into the lower sidewalls and aft cabin bulkhead. It neatly serves as a subtle reminder of the aircraft’s lineage.
The seating is a testament to comfort and style, featuring dark leather upholstery with Alcantara accent panels and crimson piping.
Textron has extended the color scheme to the charcoal carpeting, which is accentuated by crimson arcs that echo the exterior striping. Altogether, this creates quite a cohesive and luxurious atmosphere throughout the cabin.

Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
“This visually stunning design will exceed customer expectations,” Tannahill adds. “It delivers the superior flying experience they demand while honoring the King Air’s successful history.”
The King Air’s versatility has made it a favorite across the business aviation sector. It has also seen widescale uptake across various specialized roles.
It serves in all branches of the U.S. military and performs both commercial and special missions around the globe. This further cemented its status as a true aviation icon.

Summary
The order book for the Crimson Edition King Air is now open, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2025.
This special edition offers operators the chance to own a piece of aviation history. At the same time, the aircraft sports the latest advancements in turboprop technology and comfort.
As the King Air family enters its seventh decade, the Crimson Edition stands as a testament to its enduring appeal and ongoing evolution.
It promises to continue the legacy of excellence that has made the Beechcraft King Air a cornerstone of the aviation industry for 60 years and counting.

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