Nanjing Light Aircraft expects to secure Chinese certification in August for its AC500 Sky Car, which can seat up to six passengers. Nanjing financial officer Yu Enfeng says it plans to begin deliveries later this year of the aircraft, which has been under development since the 1990s and first flew in 2004, but has not yet received any firm orders. “Over a dozen customers are interested and have intent to buy, but no contract yet,” she says. “Without an airworthiness certificate we can’t sign contracts with customers,” Yu explains, adding certification is expected in August.
Several general aviation companies and individuals throughout China are assessing the Sky Car for pilot training and general aviation. The China National Aero Technology Import and Export Corporation also indicated it was interested in acquiring the aircraft for export to Africa, says Yu.
Nanjing will market the Sky Car, but has hired Hongdu Aircraft to build it as it has no manufacturing facility of its own, although Yu says the Jiangsu government plans to set up a dedicated factory within five years.
Source: Flight International
