Beechcraft deliveries rebounded in the second quarter, but the certification schedule slipped slightly for a light jet upgrade programme.

Second-quarter aircraft deliveries totalled 56 aircraft - a 75% increase year on year, when the Wichita-based aircraft manufacturer was mired in a bankruptcy restructuring.

Deliveries of Beechcraft's turboprop and piston-powered aircraft slipped slightly from the first quarter, when the company reported 59 aircraft shipments.

The King Air 350i/ER types and the Baron G58 led the deliveries with 12 each, followed by 11 shipments of the T-6A/B/C. Beechcraft also delivered nine Bonanza G36s, seven King Air 250s and five King Air C90GTx aircraft.

Beechcraft re-emerged from a nearly 10-month restructuring process in late February with a plan to shut down its Hawker-series business jets and focus on piston and turboprop-driven aircraft. Its new strategy also includes developing upgrades for all Beechcraft and Hawker-series aircraft, including the Hawker 400XPR.

In May, Beechcraft revealed plans to certificate in the third quarter the Hawker 400XPR with a Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 cockpit, Williams International FJ44 engines and winglets.

Beechcraft now says that certification is scheduled in the fourth quarter, and entry into service remains on track for the fourth quarter.

Source: Flight International