A buyer in Denmark will be the first European customer to receive a Malibu Meridian when New Piper Aircraft delivers his new single-turboprop business aircraft in October. He is in for a pleasant surprise, as New Piper has made some improvements that have increased performance.
The Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 turboprop has been uprated to 370kW (500shp) and a four-blade Hartzell propeller fitted, boosting cruise speed to 267kt (494km/h) and taking the six-seater to 25,000ft (7,600m) in just 17min.The $1.5 million Meridian is not here at Farnborough because New Piper is just weeks away from completing certification of the aircraft. Delivery of the first Meridian to a US customer has been set for 30 August, and its European debut is not far behind.
Larry Bardon, vice-president marketing and sales, says New Piper has sold 137 Meridians so far - eight into Europe: four to customers in the UK, three into Denmark and one into Germany.
Source: Flight Daily News
