Ibis Aerospace has announced a total of 73 orders for its Ae270 Propjet, which reflects a commitment by newly-appointed distributor Rheinland Air Service (RAS) to sell the Ae270 in Germany and surrounding European countries. The 73 orders include six options for the PT6A-66A powered Ae270.

The sales region for RAS includes Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg, and the company will offer Ae270 operators services which include aircraft sales, maintenance, avionics, factory direct parts sales and other line services.

RAS md Johannes Schaesberg, said: “It is expected that in 2003, Europe will receive single engine commercial IFR for turboprop aircraft and the Ae270 will fill this role well. The Ae270 is ideally suited for the many executive transportation requirements in central Europe.”

Karel Sovak, area sales manager of Ibis Europe, added: “Ibis is proud to have a company with the stature of Rheinland Air join our team of qualified distributors.”

A prototype Ae270 recently completed a series of flight tests in Córdoba, Spain. Ae270 prototype serial number three was stationed there from November 6 to December 11, 2002. During its stay the aircraft completed 65 flights, logging 90 hours 20 minutes.

Staff say Córdoba provided a favourable climate for continuation of the flight test program during winter months. Tests performed there included engine, stall, lateral and directional static stability, and spin tests. The Ae270 will return to Spain in February 2003.

FAA certification is scheduled by the end of 2003. First deliveries will take place in the first quarter of 2004. The Ae270 is being certified for FAR 23 single pilot operation and will be eligible for FAR Part 135 operation.

The Ae270 Propjet is a large-cabin, pressurised aircraft designed to carry up to ten people. It will cover stage lengths of up to 1,610 nm with fuel reserves.