King Air 250 vs TBM 960
The King Air 250 leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Beechcraft / Textron Aviation King Air 250 (introduced 2011) and the Daher (TBM) TBM 960 (introduced 2022) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are turboprops, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the King Air 250 carries more passengers. undefined
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King Air 250 vs TBM 960: the key differences
- The TBM 960 delivers 1% more range (King Air 250: 1,720 nm; TBM 960: 1,730 nm).
- The TBM 960 delivers 6% more cruise speed (King Air 250: 310 kt; TBM 960: 330 kt).
- The King Air 250 delivers 50% more passenger capacity (King Air 250: 9 seats; TBM 960: 6 seats).
- The TBM 960 is the newer design (introduced 2022 versus 2011 for the King Air 250), a gap of 11 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The King Air 250 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (12,500 lbs versus 7,394 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the King Air 250 runs 2 engines against 1 on the TBM 960 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the King Air 250 seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the TBM 960 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the King Air 250 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the TBM 960 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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King Air 250 vs TBM 960: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the King Air 250 or the TBM 960?
The TBM 960 has the longer published range — 1,730 nm versus 1,720 nm for the King Air 250.
Does the King Air 250 or TBM 960 seat more passengers?
The King Air 250 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 9 seats, compared with 6 on the TBM 960.
Which is faster, the King Air 250 or the TBM 960?
The TBM 960 cruises faster, at 330 kt versus 310 kt for the King Air 250.
Which is newer, the King Air 250 or the TBM 960?
The TBM 960 is the newer design, introduced in 2022 versus 2011 for the King Air 250.
Is the King Air 250 or the TBM 960 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the King Air 250 is the larger aircraft — 12,500 lbs versus 7,394 lbs for the TBM 960.
Should I buy the King Air 250 or the TBM 960?
Choose the TBM 960 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the King Air 250 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the TBM 960 holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the King Air 250 vs TBM 960?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.