Moscow-based tourism company Aviamost plans to acquire up to 300 GECI Skylander SK-105 twin-engined turboprops in a bid to become a major player in the local air transport market.

Aviamost has signed a memorandum of understanding with GECI subsidiary and SK-105 developer Sky Aircraft, of France. A purchase agreement covering an order for 40 aircraft and options for a further 260, is expected to be concluded in the first quarter of this year.

Aviamost said the Skylander SK-105, due for completion and maiden flight this year, is priced competitively and meets Russian market requirements in terms of capacity and range.

Skylander SK-105,

 © GECI International

Powered by two 1,100shp (820kW) Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-65B turboprops driving five-blade Hartzell propellers, the high-wing, unpressurised Skylander can seat up to 19 passengers and carry up to 2t of freight.

"Our mission is to contribute to radical improvement of the situation in intra-regional air transport services and increase in population mobility," said Aviamost, indicating it would co-operate with GECI International to gain type certification and arrange technical support for its aircraft in Russia.

Source: Flight International