1 November 2016
Pipistrel is to make electric and hybrid aircraft in China following a historic trade deal between the Slovenian company and Sino GA Group, a General Aviation (GA) company in China. Up to 500 aircraft a year will be manufactured.
The long-term joint venture will be officially unveiled tomorrow (Wednesday 2 November) at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Zhu Hai. Flying Tigers, the Pipistrel distributor in China will have three Pipistrel aircraft on display.
The deal will also be part of an upcoming summit between the prime ministers of China and central and eastern European countries.
Flying Tigers specialises GA airport construction, aircraft and special public security equipment manufacturing, private and glider pilot training, and other GA related operations throughout China.
Pipistrel said, “Both partners see a clear trend towards green aviation. So, after two years of preparations, they have agreed on transfer of technologies and setting up a new company in China, where electric aircraft will be manufactured, especially the Alpha Electro and Panthera Hybrid models. The production capacity will be more than 500 aircraft per year.”
The value of the seven-year project, which will include building new aircraft production facilities for both models, a runway, and a maintenance and training facility, is more than 500 million euro.
Pipistrel will also use some of the money for the development of a new, ambitious zero emission 19-seat aircraft. It will be powered by hybrid electric technology and hydrogen fuel cells, and planned for public transport between the cities in China and all over the world.
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Pipistrel Aircraft
