Profile: KA350 King Air

The KA350 King Air is a multi-purpose modern twin-engine turboprop, operated by No. 32 Squadron based at RAAF Base East Sale. The 12 King Airs are used largely for training of Air Force Mission Air Crew and Navy Aviation Warfare Officers at the Air Mission Training School. However, the aircraft also provides Air Force with flexible light passenger and cargo transport capabilities.

More regularly, Australia sends the fleet members as its representative to Operation Solania, an international effort to detect and police illegal fishing in the South Pacific. It’s also something of a workhorse: first acquired in 2003, the fleet chalked up 30,000 flying hours in 2011 and 50,000 in 2015.