21 November 2025
Eighty years of production of the Beechcraft Bonanza is about to come to an end.
At the same time, Textron Aviation, which owns Beechcraft, will stop production of the Beechcraft Baron, the twin engine version of the Bonanza which first flew in 1960.
It’s the end of an era for Beechcraft as it will no longer manufacture piston engine aircraft. Instead, the company will concentrate on its turboprop models, the King Air range of twins and the soon to enter service Denali single-engine turboprop.
However, the company will continue to support existing aircraft with spares and service.
Textron Aviation chose not to make an announcement but simply deleted the piston aircraft from its range, a move which was spotted by Tom Turner of the American Bonanza Society according to Avbrief.com
FLYER asked Textron Aviation for a statement and a company spokesperson said, “As part of Textron Aviation’s product investment plan, the company will end production of the Beechcraft Baron G58 and Beechcraft Bonanza G36 models once all current orders are fulfilled.
Beechcraft Baron
“Known for their power and craftsmanship, the Baron and Bonanza aircraft have been cornerstones of the company’s leadership in the piston market for nearly eight decades.
“More than 6,000 Baron and 18,000 Bonanza aircraft have been delivered worldwide.
“This December will mark the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the Beechcraft Bonanza, a testament to the aircraft’s significance in aviation history.
“This strategic shift will enable Textron Aviation to focus on welcoming the Beechcraft Denali into its product portfolio while thoughtfully assessing future investments within this segment.”
It’s not really a surprise. Sales of the Beechcraft piston aircraft have been low for some years. In 2024, just five of the Bonanza G36 aircraft were sold and two Baron twins, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).
