King Air 260 vs King Air 360
The King Air 360 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation King Air 260 (introduced 2021) beside the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation King Air 360 (introduced 2021) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are turboprops, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is range, where the King Air 360 has the advantage. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
King Air 260 vs King Air 360: the key differences
- The King Air 360 delivers 48% more range (King Air 260: 1,720 nm; King Air 360: 2,539 nm).
- The King Air 360 delivers 1% more cruise speed (King Air 260: 310 kt; King Air 360: 312 kt).
- The King Air 360 delivers 22% more passenger capacity (King Air 260: 9 seats; King Air 360: 11 seats).
- The King Air 360 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (15,000 lbs versus 12,500 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The King Air 360 is the stronger fit for transcontinental missions — its 2,539 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The King Air 260, at 1,720 nm, is better matched to regional and short-to-medium legs, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the King Air 260's range, the King Air 360's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the King Air 360 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The King Air 260 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
King Air 260 vs King Air 360: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the King Air 260 or the King Air 360?
The King Air 360 has the longer published range — 2,539 nm versus 1,720 nm for the King Air 260.
Does the King Air 260 or King Air 360 seat more passengers?
The King Air 360 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 11 seats, compared with 9 on the King Air 260.
Which is faster, the King Air 260 or the King Air 360?
The King Air 360 cruises faster, at 312 kt versus 310 kt for the King Air 260.
Is the King Air 260 or the King Air 360 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the King Air 360 is the larger aircraft — 15,000 lbs versus 12,500 lbs for the King Air 260.
Should I buy the King Air 260 or the King Air 360?
On published specifications the King Air 360 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The King Air 260 can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the King Air 260 vs King Air 360?
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.