The Beechcraft Beechjet 400A seats up to 7 passengers and cruises at 449 kt (Mach 0.78) with a 1,510 nm range. Twin Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5 engines and a Collins Pro Line 4 flight deck power this light jet, purpose-built for short regional missions of roughly one to two-and-a-half hours.
Overview and Positioning
The Beechjet 400A occupies a distinct position in the light-jet category. It pairs cabin dimensions more typical of larger aircraft with operating economics that keep hourly costs in check. For travelers who prioritize comfort on regional legs – Boston to Washington, Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Dallas to Denver – the 400A delivers the essentials without excess.
In the Magellan Jets Preferred Network, the Beechjet 400A appears on missions where efficiency is paramount. Its balance of speed, range, and cabin space makes it a sensible choice for Clients who know exactly what they need from a light jet charter.
History and Legacy
The Beechjet 400A traces its lineage to the Mitsubishi Diamond II, a twin-engine business jet developed in Japan during the early 1980s. When Beechcraft acquired the design, engineers refined the airframe into the Beechjet 400, establishing a foundation that would endure for decades.
The improved 400A arrived in the late 1980s. It brought greater range, a higher maximum takeoff weight, additional cabin amenities, and the Collins Pro Line 4 avionics suite – upgrades that sharpened the aircraft’s appeal for business travelers. The airframe proved its staying power: Raytheon (and later Hawker Beechcraft) continued the line as the Hawker 400XP, while the Nextant 400XT remanufacture program breathes new life into existing airframes with upgraded engines and avionics.
This heritage is a mark of a proven, enduring design. An airframe that has remained in continuous service across multiple generations – refined rather than replaced – speaks to fundamental engineering integrity. For Clients booking the 400A today, that lineage translates into a well-understood platform with deep operator experience and a mature parts network.
Cabin and Interior
The Beechjet 400A cabin measures 15 ft 7 in long, 4 ft 11 in wide, and 4 ft 10 in tall. Total cabin volume is approximately 306 cu ft. Up to seven passengers can fly in a standard club configuration, with seating arranged for face-to-face conversation or quiet productivity.
The flat floor runs the length of the cabin, allowing passengers to move about comfortably during cruise. A squared-oval fuselage cross-section provides headroom that feels more generous than the raw dimensions suggest. This is a design detail that reduces the sense of confinement on longer regional legs. Baggage capacity is 53 cu ft, enough for a full cabin of soft luggage without compromising legroom.
Cabin appointments vary by operator, but most configurations include leather seating, fold-out work surfaces, and power outlets for devices. The enclosed rear lavatory is unusual in the light-jet category. It adds a level of privacy that Clients appreciate on missions beyond an hour.
Performance and Range
Cruise speed is 449 kt, or Mach 0.78. Maximum range is 1,510 nm under optimal conditions. The twin Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5 engines offer proven reliability and efficient fuel burn for missions in the 400–800 nm envelope.
A service ceiling of 45,000 ft places the Beechjet 400A above most commercial traffic and, critically, above much of the weather. Flying at higher altitudes means fewer diversions, smoother rides, and more predictable arrival times – tangible advantages on routes where convective weather is common.
The 400A performs well at shorter runways, opening access to regional airports that larger jets cannot reach. For Clients connecting to coastal retreats, mountain resorts, or suburban airfields, this runway flexibility translates into time saved and destinations gained.
Flight Deck and Avionics
The Collins Pro Line 4 avionics suite equips the Beechjet 400A with integrated flight displays, navigation, and communication systems, including a flight management system and colour weather radar. Anti-skid braking supports a higher maximum landing weight and confident stops on shorter runways.
Pilots familiar with the 400A appreciate its predictable handling and reliable systems. The Pro Line 4 architecture, while not the newest glass cockpit on the market, remains serviceable and well-supported. Many operators have upgraded their 400A panels for current airspace requirements, keeping the aircraft mission-ready today.
Who the Beechjet 400A Suits Best
The Beechjet 400A is well-suited for travelers whose missions fall within a defined regional envelope. Typical flights include:
- Business travelers connecting cities 300–700 nm apart
- Executives flying to meetings and returning the same day
- Small groups heading to regional destinations inaccessible by airline
- Clients who value efficiency over cabin extravagance
For those who require transcontinental range or stand-up cabin height, a midsize or super-midsize aircraft may be more appropriate. But for regional missions where schedule control and cost discipline matter, the 400A remains a compelling option in the On-Demand Charter and Jet Card portfolios.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Beechcraft Beechjet 400A (FAQs):
How many passengers does the Beechjet 400A seat?
The Beechjet 400A accommodates up to seven passengers in a standard club configuration, with an enclosed rear lavatory aft.
What is the range of the Beechjet 400A?
The Beechjet 400A has a maximum range of 1,510 nm under optimal conditions. This is well suited to regional missions of roughly one to two-and-a-half hours. Actual range on any given flight depends on payload, weather, and routing.
How fast is the Beechjet 400A?
At high-speed cruise, the Beechjet 400A flies at 449 kt – approximately Mach 0.78. It operates at altitudes up to 45,000 ft, above most commercial traffic and weather.
Is the Beechjet 400A single pilot?
No. The Beechjet 400A is flown by a two-pilot crew. This configuration supports workload management and safety, particularly during instrument approaches and in busy airspace.
What is the difference between the Beechjet 400 and 400A?
The 400A refined the original Beechjet 400 with greater range, a higher maximum takeoff weight, additional cabin amenities, and the Collins Pro Line 4 flight deck. These upgrades made it a more capable and comfortable aircraft for private and corporate travel.
Does the Beechjet 400A have a bathroom?
Yes. The Beechjet 400A includes an enclosed rear lavatory, a feature that is uncommon in the light-jet category. On regional legs of an hour or more, Clients value this privacy and convenience.
How much does it cost to charter a Beechjet 400A?
Chartering a Beechjet 400A typically falls within the light-jet category. Estimated hourly rates range from approximately $7,300 to $9,300 per flight hour. This estimate includes fuel but does not include contingencies such as de-icing, repositioning, overnight fees, catering, ground transportation, taxes, or other trip-specific costs. Final pricing depends on the specific route, aircraft availability, and additional requirements – a Magellan Jets Private Aviation Advisor confirms an exact quote based on your itinerary.
Charter a Beechjet 400A
The Beechjet 400A offers a compelling combination of efficiency, comfort, and proven performance for regional travel. Whether you are booking a single flight through On-Demand Charter or planning recurring missions with a Jet Card, Magellan Jets can match you with the right aircraft for your itinerary.
Magellan Jets coordinates travel on behalf of our Clients using approved FAA 14 CFR Part 135 vendors for our charter and Jet Card programs and approved FAA 14 CFR Part 91K vendors for our Fractional program. Magellan Jets does not own or operate aircraft.
