Textron Suspends Orders for Bonanza and Baron: The End of an Era in Piston Aviation?

With limited production and a backlog until 2027, the legendary Beechcraft Bonanza G36 and Baron G58 will no longer be mass-produced and will now operate on demand — if they continue to be produced at all.

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Textron Aviation, manufacturer of the renowned Beechcraft Bonanza and Baron, announced in February 2024 that it was temporarily suspending new orders for these two models. The decision took the market by surprise and raised questions about the future of series production of these aircraft, which have marked generations of pilots.

According to the company's official statement, the measure aims to "ensure the best customer experience at every stage of the ownership journey." However, no date has been announced for the resumption of orders, and the company has not clarified whether the suspension is permanent or merely a strategic pause.

Bonanza G36 and Baron G58: Icons in Transition

Both models have a rich history and are considered benchmarks in their categories:

• Bonanza G36: High-performance single-engine aircraft with capacity for up to 6 occupants, a range of approximately 750 nautical miles and a cruising speed of over 200 ktas.

• Baron G58: Twin-engine piston aircraft with a range of 1,480 nm, a cruising speed of 202 ktas, and capacity for 6 passengers. Recognized for its reliability and versatility.

Despite their qualities, production numbers have been falling dramatically. In 2023, only 5 units of each model were delivered, according to data from GAMA (General Aviation Manufacturers Association). This raises concerns about the economic viability of maintaining active production lines for aircraft with such low demand.

Limited Production and Backlog until 2027

Sources from Aviation Week and AVweb confirm that the production backlog already extends until 2027, meaning that even if new orders were accepted, customers would have to wait up to three years to receive their aircraft. This long waiting list, combined with the low production scale (less than one aircraft per month), makes the industrial process inefficient and economically unviable.

There is speculation that Textron may maintain production only on special orders, or even completely end production of these models, focusing its efforts on more modern and profitable aircraft, such as the Beechcraft Denali and the Citation jets.

Impact on the Market and General Aviation

The suspension of orders represents a milestone in the transition from traditional piston aircraft to more modern and efficient models. For aviation schools, private operators, and enthusiasts, the Bonanza and Baron have always been synonymous with quality, performance, and prestige.

With the potential discontinuation, the secondary market—for used aircraft—is expected to gain momentum, especially for those seeking aircraft with a reliable maintenance history. Textron continues to guarantee parts and technical support availability, but the future of the line as a new product remains uncertain.

🔗 Official Sources and References

• AVweb – Textron Pauses Orders For Bonanzas, Barons

• Aviation Week – Textron Pauses Beechcraft Baron, Bonanza Orders

• Beechcraft – Baron G58 official page