EADS Socata is to hold roadshows in French cities in a move to kick-start the corporate aviation market in its home country. The board is set to consider around 10 presentations on private aircraft travel this week.
The presentations, which will highlight the operating economics between city pairs, will focus on the generic benefits of corporate aviation, rather than pushing Socata aircraft. The roadshows will be held in cities with industrial ties to other smaller European cities and Socata is hoping that many of the cities' airports will establish charter operations using its TBM700 single-engined turboprop.
The company says it had previously geared its sales strategy around air shows, but "in the USA people go to shows with money in their pocket to buy aircraft. In Europe, especially in France, people come to watch aircraft flying." What is needed first is an education programme, says Socata.
Socata says that several air taxi operators are also interested in the TBM, once the Joint Aviation Authorities permit public flights of single-engined aircraft under instrument flight rules, expected soon.
Source: Flight International