Canadian Aerospace Group International (CASG) has received a $58 million firm order for 15 Twin Panda 19-seat twin turboprops from a Brazilian transport consortium. The aircraft - including seven float-equipped models - will be used to transport passengers and freight throughout the Amazon basin.
The Canadian company has firm orders for more than 30 Twin Pandas, a Westernised version of Harbin's US-certificated Y-12(IV), but president Phil Nelson says deliveries have been delayed by production issues in Harbin in China, where the aircraft will be produced.
Nelson says Y-12 production has resumed after being halted while Harbin completed a large number of helicopters under licence. A long-awaited demonstrator should arrive mid-year, he says, with deliveries planned to begin in January.
The company hopes to receive "seven or eight" airframes this year, and is negotiating with Harbin to increase next year's output beyond the 20 planned. CASG will install uprated Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-34 engines and Western avionics, interiors, wheels, tyres and brakes.
Source: Flight International
