Posted on June 18th, 2025
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) was an American aerospace manufacturer that produced a wide range of business jets, turboprops, and light attack aircraft. Formed in 2006 and headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, HBC combined two storied aviation legacies: Beechcraft and Hawker. The company operated globally, with manufacturing and service centers in the U.S., Mexico, and Europe. Though the Hawker Beechcraft brand ceased production in 2013, its aircraft remain popular in business aviation, particularly among light jet charters and midsize jet charter clients.
The origins of Hawker Beechcraft date back to 1994, when Raytheon merged two key aviation divisions: Beech Aircraft Corporation and Raytheon Corporate Jets. In 2006, Raytheon Aircraft was acquired by Canadian private equity firm Onex Corporation and Goldman Sachs, forming the Hawker Beechcraft Corporation. This merger united the iconic Beechcraft line of turboprops with the British-designed Hawker business jets, creating a full-service aviation manufacturer under one name.
HBC’s portfolio included aircraft from the storied Hawker Siddeley and British Aerospace Corporate Jets families. The company quickly expanded its global footprint, opening a manufacturing facility in Chihuahua, Mexico in 2007. However, the global recession of 2008–2009 had a significant impact on the private aviation industry. In early 2009, Hawker Beechcraft announced the layoff of over 2,000 employees due to declining demand for new aircraft.
Despite the challenges, HBC remained a key player in business aviation throughout the early 2010s, producing models such as the Hawker 400XP, Hawker 800XP, and Hawker 900XP. The company also supported military and special mission programs, manufacturing the T-6 Texan II and AT-6 Wolverine for training and light-attack missions.
In May 2012, Hawker Beechcraft filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. By early 2013, the company emerged as Beechcraft Corporation, dropping the Hawker jet line and focusing on its King Air turboprops, as well as the Baron, Bonanza, and military trainer aircraft. The surviving company was later acquired by Textron Aviation in 2014, placing Beechcraft alongside Cessna under the Textron umbrella. As a result, Cessna Citation and King Air aircraft continue to thrive, while production of new Hawker jets has ceased.
While Hawker jet production ended in 2013, thousands remain in service today, particularly in the charter market. Hawker jets are known for their durable construction, comfortable cabins, and solid range capabilities. They occupy a key niche between light and midsize jets, offering stand-up cabin height and transcontinental range in many cases.
Popular Hawker models available for charter include:
Today, JetOptions Private Jets provides charter access to Hawker jets across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and beyond. These aircraft are favored by business travelers and executive clients who value the performance and comfort of a midsize jet with competitive pricing and availability.
Although Hawker Beechcraft ceased production of its jet line in 2013, the company’s legacy lives on under Textron Aviation. In 2014, Textron acquired the assets of Beechcraft Corporation, bringing the Beechcraft brand and its remaining support infrastructure for Hawker jets under the same umbrella as the Cessna Citation.
Get a Charter Quote for Hawker Aircraft
Looking for a reliable midsize jet? Request availability and pricing for the Hawker 400XP, 800XP, 850XP, or 900XP today.
While Textron no longer manufactures new Hawker jets, it continues to support thousands of active aircraft worldwide through parts, maintenance, and service centers. Many midsize jet charters available today—like the Hawker 800XP and 900XP—are still in demand thanks to Textron’s continued support network.
