Gippsland looks abroad as Europe's interest in GA8 Airvan grows

Gippsland Aeronautics is hoping to gain European certification of its GA8 Airvan by October next year. The Australian manufacturer, which gained Canadian and US approval earlier this year, is working with propeller supplier Hartzell to achieve European certification. The aircraft requires a new propeller to meet European noise requirements, more stringent than those in Australia. The move follows interest in the type in a number of European countries, including Germany and the UK. Simultaneously, Gippsland is planning to develop a float-equipped aircraft to break into the Canadian market, which will also require a differ- ent propeller, says Gippsland. That version is planned to be available at the end of 2004. Last week, Gippsland completed four GA8 Airvans, valued at more than A$2.5 million ($1.8 million), for export delivery. Two of the aircraft are bound for East Kalimantan, Indonesia, to be operated by the province's government; the third aircraft is heading to the USA to the Civil Air Patrol; and the fourth will be shipped by container to Lesotho in Africa for operation by the country's defence department.

Source: Flight International