After announcing the launch of the Premier II on Monday, Hawker Beechcraft yesterday revealed it has firm orders for 40 aircraft and lesser commitments for another 30 of the upgraded version of the Premier IA. Firm orders are held by nonrefundable deposits. The Premier II features more powerful 3,050-pound Williams International FJ44-3AP engines, longer range (1,500 nm versus 1,150 nm) and a faster top speed (465 knots at 33,000 feet). First flight is planned for April 2009, with FAA certification in the second quarter of 2010 and EASA certification in the fourth quarter of the same year. “The customer response has been fantastic,” said Brad Hatt, president of commercial aircraft.