Premier II Deliveries Delayed by Two-plus Years

The Wichita Eagle has reported that Hawker Beechcraft will push back first deliveries of its Premier II by more than two years. The developmental jet is a longer-range, higher-flying derivative of the popular Premier IA. Current plans call for first deliveries in late 2012 or early 2013. First flight had been scheduled for this year, but to date, Hawker Beechcraft reports it has test-flown the upgraded Williams FJ44-3AP engines on a Premier IA airframe. The Premier II will also incorporate winglets for greater efficiency and aerodynamic performance.