Ibis Aerospace's Ae270 turboprop single is to make its Paris debut as the first members of a 16-strong international distributor network prepare to make their commitments. The Czech-Taiwanese joint-venture company is also expected to announce orders for 30 of the 10-seaters aircraft. The orders are for the Ae270P, aimed at the air-taxi market, and the new Ae270HP business aircraft. Says Ibis marketing director Jeff Conrad: "We've had enthusiastic responses from potential customers around the world. Initially we are concentrating on developing the Ae270P."
The aircraft - with retractable gear, pressurised cabin and a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-42 engine - has completed 50hr of flight testing. The second flying prototype will join the programme next month. Certification is scheduled for the middle of next year and first deliveries for end-2002. The first Ae270HP, featuring the more powerful PT6A-66, is scheduled for certification at the end of 2002, with first deliveries in early 2003.
Source: Flight Daily News
