KATE SARSFIELD / LONDON
UK kitplane builder Europa Aircraft has been sold by parent Liberty Aerospace in a management buyout led by managing director Keith Wilson. The company, arguably Europe's largest kitplane maker, will be called Europa Management International (EM[I]L).
"Our only link with Liberty will be as UK distributor for the XL-2 light aircraft," says Wilson.
Europa wants to expand its two-seat product line, comprising the Europa XS Monowheel and a version with a conventional tricycle undercarriage. A motor glider variant featuring longer wings, for which 50 orders have been placed, is to enter service by the end of this year.
The Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire-based company may also be planning a four-seat version of the piston-powered machine.
While the USA and Europe remain key markets for the kitplane, EM(I)L plans to broaden its international distributor base in emerging markets. Wilson says: "We have built the fastest selling UK civil light aircraft ever built and we expect to exceed the 1,000 delivery mark next year."
Source: Flight International
