Thursday, February 12, 2009

Detroit CEOs Learn a Lesson About Efficiency Courtesy of Beechcraft

Company highlights sensible alternative for today's business travel

WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- If the three Detroit CEOs had arrived in Washington in the Beechcraft King Air 350, they might have received a warmer reception from their legislative hosts. Hawker Beechcraft Corporation's (HBC) latest advertising campaign addresses the recent political and media frenzy surrounding business aviation with a sensible alternative that will win over even the staunchest critic - the King Air 350 - the world's greenest and highly efficient aircraft.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070322/HBLOGO )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090211/70979 )

The aviation industry came under scrutiny when the Detroit CEOs testified before Congress and the focus shifted to their use of large business jets to travel to Washington. In comparison to the Gulfstream one of the CEOs was spotted in, the King Air 350 would have arrived in D.C. roughly 15 minutes later, yet saved approximately 220 gallons of fuel and thousands of dollars in operating costs.

"We are having a little fun with the Detroit CEOs in this advertisement," said Charles Mayer, vice president of Marketing. "More importantly, this is an opportunity to show a sensible way for this type of business travel and the value of the aircraft manufacturing industry. Our industry not only offers valuable business tools that dramatically increase efficiency, it also contributes $150 billion annually to the U.S. economy and employs more than one million Americans."

With best-in-class fuel efficiency and a lower operating cost per seat-mile than any light jet, the King Air 350 is one of the greenest aircraft in the sky. It also boasts the largest cabin in its category, designed for comfort and flexibility. Combine this with Beechcraft value, quality and reliability, and the King Air 350 is clearly the best deal in town - all good news to the folks in D.C. and to companies looking for a way to travel efficiently and economically.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft - designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company's headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with the largest number of factory-owned service centers and a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.

This release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements that address activities, events or developments that we or our management intend, expect, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management's assumptions and assessments in light of past experience and trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other relevant factors. They are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ significantly from those envisaged by our forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or implied in the forward-looking statements are general business and economic conditions, production delays resulting from lack of regulatory certifications and other factors, competition in our existing and future markets, lack of market acceptance of our products and services, the substantial leverage and debt service resulting from our indebtedness, loss or retirement of key executives and other risks disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.