The Skylander, a twin-turboprop light developed by Geci Aviation has not yet taken off, but he entered the phase of industrialization. The production of the first pieces just started. The goal is to assemble the first two prototypes by fall 2011 Chamblay, Lorraine. "The first test flight is expected before the end of 2011, certification twelve months later and the first delivery end of 2012," says Serge Bitboul, CEO of Geci.
By mid-2011, the company has completed the financing of the program, which would secure the project completely. Of the 170 million euros needed and after the capital increase in July, it still lacks 50 million. The Lorraine region shortly to confirm its commitment to the tune of 7 million euros in exchange for entry to the capital of Geci Aviation.Sovereign wealth funds French (FSI) and foreign (Middle Eastern) should also take a ticket alongside private investors.
Serge Bitboul, aeronautical engineer and founder of the training group, displays his confidence. If it involves an element of risk, the project has, indeed, serious arguments to make. The concept first: the device looks like a low-cost airline, military and civilian purposes and multimission. A kind of "baby A400M" able to carry 19 passengers, 28 cubic meters of freight or express packages, conducting evacuation operations sanitary surveillance of maritime or land borders. But unlike the giant Airbus, the Skylander S-105 is a lightweight and strong. "It is easy to design and produce.It can be sold in batches and displays a competitive price of $ 5.2 million for the basic version, "says Serge Bitboul.
Implementation in Malaysia
Its commercial prospects are, in view of market research, promising: the need to reach 7500 units between 2012 and 2028 including 4000 in the passenger version. The Skylander hopes to conquer 20% to 30% of the total, knowing that the stalled program is 250 units.
Competition in this niche market is also still low. Launched in the 1960s and 1970s, the Twin Otter aircraft made by De Havilland, Dornier 228 others have been delivered to more than 4000 but production has stopped. The fleet is aging. Two companies were taken over by buying licenses: the Canadian Viking Air Twin Otter Recovery and Swiss Ruag the Dornier 228.The planes have been upgraded but the system of production has changed little. "The other competitors have disappeared while as Fokker, Embraer and Bombardier are mounted in line. So there is a space to occupy, "says Serge Bitboul. The SK-105, single unit designed in the early 2000s, will face Chinese rivals. Avic Group launched the Y12F, Y12E successor, which will enter service by 2013.
To date, the Skylander recorded 14 firm orders, including 4 for the Malaysian Army. Geci plans to open an office in Kuala Lumpur and a service station this fall. But overall, the unit has received over 500 brands of interests form of letters of intent or memoranda of agreement which should result in contracts in good and due form.The French army, which wants to replace its fleet of Twin Otter aircraft used for training and operations of routes, has also expressed interest.
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