Press Release
Issued by .
January 19, 2011
GECI International Group, founded in 1980, and headed by Mr. Serge Bitboul, employs 950 persons throughout the world and is one of the major players in the field of aerospace engineering. Its expertise and skills in aeronautics enabled the group to participate to the most important and renowned industrial programs, alongside the most prestigious aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus or Dassault.
GECI Aviation, the industrial branch of GECI International Group, dedicated to the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of twin-turboprop aircraft, signed an "Exclusive Distribution Agreement" on December, 1st 2010 with the company DAIHYAKU SHOJI, headed by Mr. Katsuhiko Mori, with the aim of commercializing and supporting its two aircraft, the F406 & the Skylander SK105 to the Japanese market.
GECI Aviation proposes two aircraft that bring an efficient and complementary answer to the requests of regional transportation and sovereignty mission.
The Skylander SK-105 is a new and modern multipurpose twin-turboprop, designed for flexibility, reliability and economy. Unpressurised, with high wing and fixed landing gear, the aircraft is capable of transporting 19 passengers or 2.7 tons of goods in its spacious 28 m3 cabin. CS23/FAR23 certified in the commuter category, the SK-105 is an ideal multirole and eco-friendly transporter with exceptional range, short take-off and landing distances. Certification is expected in 2012 and serial deliveries in 2013.
The F406, developed and certified by Reims Aviation, aircraft manufacturer since 1933, and acquired in 2008 by GECI International, was distributed in a hundred of units worldwide and cumulates a total of 800,000 flight hours. A twin-turboprop, with low wing and unpressurized cabin, the F406 is largely used for the transport of freight and passengers (up to 12 pax). The F406 is highly appreciated by its operators and pilots for its robustness and reliability, benefiting of the most competitive operating costs and maintenance in its category. Versatile and customizable, the F406 is widely used as mission aircraft for maritime and pollution surveillance, border surveillance, aerial photography, cartography, etc.
The market in Japan for both aircraft is expected to exceed 50 aircraft, both civil and mission applications, over the next 10 years. There is a very significant need to replace an ageing fleet for dynamic regional air transportation within the archipelago. Mr. Katsuhiko Mori & Mr. Serge Bitboul both presidents are determined to join efforts to capture the most market share and intend to set up a world class customer support for the entire satisfaction of all Japanese customers, awaiting already a long time for a new and efficient solution to their regional transportation needs.
