Cape Air Flies Tecnam P2012 Traveller First

When one thinks of Italian aircraft maker Tecnam, one islikely to think about light planes, from light sports to smallpiston twins, but the company's latest model is biggerand badder, and is already getting some attention from one of the largest chartercompanies in the world.

At a joint production development meeting with Cape Air, Tecnam announced both companies have entered into formal aircraft delivery negotiations. Meeting at Tecnam's Capua, Italy, assembly facility were key members of Cape Air's leadership team, including Dan Wolf, CEO and founder, Stan Bernstein, member, Board of Directors, and Jim Goddard, Senior Vice President, Fleet Planning & Acquisitions.

"This aircraft is so easy to fly. With the performance numbers we see today, we are happy to offer our customers a new generation airplane that will both raise the level of in-flight comfort and safety and lower the costs of operations and fleet maintenance," said Wolf.

Wolf was the first non-Tecnam pilot to fly the P2012 Traveller, along withTecnam test pilot Capt. Lorenzo De Stefano in the cockpit.

An 11-seat piston-engine twin, the P2012 Traveller is designed to comply with FAR Part 23 and EASA CS-23. The aircraft is intended to offer owners very low operating and maintenance costs, in particular. The company is targeting 2018 EASA and FAA certification. Since the P2012 Traveller's July 21 maiden flight, the Tecnam Design Team reports that max takeoff weight has been improved to 7,937 pounds.

According to Tecnam, the P2012 Traveller will first see service as a passenger plane, but has been designed to be a versatile, offering multi-role aviation platforms including Hydro, VIP, cargo shipping, parachuting and medevac services.

Get more information on the Tecnam P2012 Traveller.