King Air 260 vs King Air C90GTx
The King Air 260 leads, topping 6 of 7 compared metrics.
The Beechcraft / Textron Aviation King Air 260 (introduced 2021) and the Beechcraft / Textron Aviation King Air C90GTx (introduced 2010) 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 range, where the King Air 260 has the advantage. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
King Air 260 vs King Air C90GTx: the key differences
- The King Air 260 delivers 37% more range (King Air 260: 1,720 nm; King Air C90GTx: 1,260 nm).
- The King Air 260 delivers 14% more cruise speed (King Air 260: 310 kt; King Air C90GTx: 272 kt).
- The King Air 260 delivers 29% more passenger capacity (King Air 260: 9 seats; King Air C90GTx: 7 seats).
- The King Air 260 is the newer design (introduced 2021 versus 2010 for the King Air C90GTx), a gap of 11 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The King Air 260 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (12,500 lbs versus 10,485 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
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 260 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?
On published specifications the King Air 260 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The King Air C90GTx 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.
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King Air 260 vs King Air C90GTx: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the King Air 260 or the King Air C90GTx?
The King Air 260 has the longer published range — 1,720 nm versus 1,260 nm for the King Air C90GTx.
Does the King Air 260 or King Air C90GTx seat more passengers?
The King Air 260 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 9 seats, compared with 7 on the King Air C90GTx.
Which is faster, the King Air 260 or the King Air C90GTx?
The King Air 260 cruises faster, at 310 kt versus 272 kt for the King Air C90GTx.
Which is newer, the King Air 260 or the King Air C90GTx?
The King Air 260 is the newer design, introduced in 2021 versus 2010 for the King Air C90GTx.
Is the King Air 260 or the King Air C90GTx the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the King Air 260 is the larger aircraft — 12,500 lbs versus 10,485 lbs for the King Air C90GTx.
Should I buy the King Air 260 or the King Air C90GTx?
On published specifications the King Air 260 leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The King Air C90GTx 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 C90GTx?
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.