The Curtain Falls on Beechcraft Bonanza and Baron’s 80-Year Production Legacy
Textron Aviation has officially announced the cessation of production for the iconic Beechcraft Bonanza G36 and Baron G58 aircraft. This decision comes into effect once all current orders are fulfilled, thereby concluding nearly eight decades of continuous manufacturing for these two highly recognizable piston aircraft in general aviation. The announcement, made on November 20, 2024, poignantly marks the end of an era as we approach the 80th anniversary of the Bonanza’s first flight in December 2024.
Since the inception of their production, more than 18,000 Bonanza and 6,000 Baron aircraft have been delivered worldwide. However, recent sales figures paint a picture of declining demand. In 2024 alone, Textron delivered a mere five Bonanzas and two Barons, reflecting the challenging market conditions for traditional piston aircraft. The company has attributed this decision primarily to the need to focus resources on the upcoming Beechcraft Denali single-engine turboprop.
In a statement, Textron Aviation expressed, “This strategic shift will enable us to focus on welcoming the Beechcraft Denali into our product portfolio while thoughtfully assessing future investments within this segment.” The American Bonanza Society’s Executive Director, Tom Turner, noted that Textron has assured continued parts and engineering support for the existing fleet. This assurance ensures a bright future for the existing fleet, despite the halt in production.
Source: https://avbrief.com/textron-ends-bonanza-baron-production/