Wichita-based Hawker Beechcraft plans to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the first quarter of 2013 as a standalone company after a potential deal with Chinese partner Superior Aviation Beijing Co fell through. The two companies failed to agree terms.
The future focus for Hawker Beechcraft will remain on high performance single and twin engine piston and turboprop aircraft, variants for the special mission market, and the T-6 and AT-6 military trainer and light attack aircraft.
However, the critical element missing from of the line-up is business jets. In a statement Hawker Beechcraft says: “The company, in consultation with its key creditor constituents, is evaluating its strategic alternatives for the Hawker product lines, which could include a sale of some or all of the product lines, or a closure of the entire jet business if no satisfactory bids are received.” Reflecting this, the company intends to rebrand itself merely as Beechcraft.
Hawker Beechcraft retains a windfall US$50 million non-refundable deposit from Superior Aviation.
