Ibis Aerospace has announced a total of 73 orders for its Ae270. The revised total reflects a commitment by Rheinland Air Service to sell the Ae270 in Germany and surrounding European countries. The orders include six options for the PT6A-66A powered Ae270.

A prototype Ae270 recently completed a series of flight tests in Córdoba, Spain. During its stay the aircraft completed 65 flights, logging 90 hours 20 minutes. A spokesperson said: “Prototype number three has been instrumental in reducing the number of flight hours required for certification of the conforming prototype serial number five. We expect the first flight of prototype number five next month, the first to fly with the PT6A-66A engine, a 1583 ESHP thermodynamic powerplant de-rated to 850 SHP take-off.”

FAA certification is scheduled by the end of 2003, with first deliveries taking place in the first quarter of 2004.

Ibis has also appointed Rheinland Air Service (RAS) as a distributor for its Ae270. RAS, located in Mönchengladbach, Germany will service Ae270 operators throughout Europe. The sales region for RAS includes Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

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.”