Beechcraft Premier IA Operating Costs & Cost per Hour

The Beechcraft Premier IA is the updated version of the Premier I aircraft. Deliveries began in 2006 and ended in 2021, with 162 Premier IA aircraft being in active service.

With a maximum range of 1,480 nautical miles (1,703 miles / 2,741 km) and a high-speed cruise of 454 knots, the Premier IA makes a popular light jet for short flights.

On the pre-owned market the average price of the Premier IA comes in at $2.58 million, with a low price of $2.35 million and a high of $2.8 million.

Naturally, this cost will vary depending on many factors – such as fuel price, region of operation, mission type, and more.

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Acquisition Cost & Depreciation

When it comes to the cost to actually buy a Beechcraft Premier IA, prices will vary depending on year of manufacture, aircraft history, and flight hours.

When new, the Premier IA had a base price of $7.1 million.

On the pre-owned market the Premier IA starts from around $2.35 million and rise to just under $3 million for a 2021 model.

On average, the Beechcraft Premier IA will lose around 3% of its value every year.

This figure is more significant for newer examples as older Premier IA aircraft have experienced the largest depreciation in value.

Overview of Beechcraft Premier IA

Deliveries of the Beechcraft Premier IA began in 2006, with deliveries ending in 2012. 162 Premier IA aircraft are currently in active service.

The Premier IA can accommodate up to 6 passengers, with a maximum baggage capacity of 78 cubic feet.

When in its optimum configuration, the Beechcraft Premier IA can cruise non-stop for up to 1,480 nautical miles (1,703 miles / 2,741 km). However, when configured for the fastest cruise speed, the Premier IA can maintain a cruise speed of 454 knots.

The Beechcraft Premier IA can cruise at up to 41,000 feet. Additionally, the Premier IA has an average hourly fuel burn of 138 Gallons per Hour (GPH).

Thanks to its Williams International FJ44-2A engines, the Premier IA has a total thrust output of 4,600 lbs.

In terms of cost, chartering a light jet like the Beechcraft Premier IA costs about $7,500 to $9,500 a flight hour on published hourly rates for the class. Back when deliveries of the Beechcraft Premier IA began, the list price for a new example was $7.1 million.

Fixed Vs Variable Costs

When you own a private jet, you have to deal with fixed costs and variable costs.

Fixed costs are the same every month, no matter how much you fly. These include things like hangar rental, insurance, crew salaries, and maintenance.

They stay the same whether you fly a lot or hardly ever.

Variable costs, on the other hand, change with how much you fly. They include fuel, landing fees, food for passengers, and unexpected repairs.

The more you fly, the more these costs add up. Knowing the difference helps you plan your budget and figure out if owning a jet is worth it.

Featured Image: parfaits, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL 1.2, via Wikimedia Commons

How we estimate these costs