Business & GA

Changes at New Zealand’s Pacific Aerospace (PAC) are expected to give new impetus to the joint venture with Canada’s Mecachrome to assemble and sell the PAC 750XL utility aircraft in North America.

Restructuring and downsizing of the Hamilton-based manufacturer to reduce costs and improve sales has given increased importance to PAC Mecachrome, formed last year to target the North American market, says Stéphane Hébert, representing the Montreal-based joint venture.

Formed in March, the joint venture sold six 750XLs last year, says Hébert, one of which was assembled in Mirabel, near Montreal. PAC Mecachrome hopes to double that number this year, delivering 10-15 aircraft worldwide, half of them built in New Zealand and half in Quebec, he says.

“After that we see a dramatic shift, with 60-90% of aircraft built in North America,” says Hébert. This projection is based on the joint venture’s hope of doubling sales again in 2007 following certification of the single-turboprop 750XL for instrument flight rules and cargo operations.

IFR certification, as well as approval of a cargo pod and improved passenger seats, was planned for the end of last year, but is now expected in February, Hébert says. “It’s a huge thing for us as it opens up other market segments.” Pending IFR approval, US sales of the 750XL have been restricted to the skydiving market.

Meanwhile, an airworthiness directive (AD) reducing the 750XL’s maximum take-off weight from 3,400kg (7,500lb) to 3,230kg, issued by the New Zealand CAA on 23 December, has been overcome. The AD was issued after the wing failed ultimate load tests.

A modified wing passed ultimate load testing the day after the AD was issued, Hébert says, and the directive has been revised to restore the 3,400kg take-off weight after operators have modified the wing.