Formerly a subsidiary of Raytheon Company, Raytheon Aircraft was bought earlier this year by Onex and GS Capital Partners and promptly renamed Hawker Beechcraft (Booth No. 6159). And at its first NBAA show under a “new” brand, president of commercial sales Brad Hatt described a corporate culture in which “we’re going to design, build and service the very best products in the business.”

At a media breakfast yesterday, Hatt said one of the keys to success will be continuous product development, illustrated by programs announced within the past year.

Hatt noted that the Hawker 900XP, introduced last year at the NBAA Convention, was certified at the end of August this year and deliveries have begun. Certification of the Hawker 750, which was unveiled this past spring at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), is expected before the end of this year. Deliveries are to start in early 2008.

The King Air C90GTi, introduced at EBACE last May, is also a step forward, with fully integrated Collins Pro Line 21 display system and IFIS V6.0 software and enhanced download features.

Certification of the new Beechcraft King Air 200GT, also unveiled at EBACE, is expected next month. Deliveries are to start in November.

The King Air 350ER is the subject of a major upgrade, with nacelle fuel tanks replacing the wing lockers, adding 500 nm to the range.

Hatt also offered news of the company’s long-awaited super-midsize Hawker 4000. He said the final paperwork has been submitted and FAA production certification is expected in November. Hawker 4000 S/N 7 is on display at Fulton County Airport.