CTP Invest, one of the largest commercial property developers in the Czech Republic and Eastern Europe, has placed an order for Europe's first Piper M600. The aircraft is expected to be delivered at the end of the summer. The company previously participated in a fractional ownership programme using a PC-12 and a Piper Meridian.

“Piper is thrilled that CTP Invest is expanding its corporate aircraft usage and has selected the efficient and cost effective M600 as its newest business tool,” says Drew McEwen, VP of international and direct sales. “This is the first new Piper M600 to see service in Europe and we are confident that it will perform its mission with established Piper economy and reliability.”

Simon Caldecott, president and CEO at Piper Aircraft, adds: “The M600 is a unique aircraft. We cannot emphasise enough the value, performance and safety that defines this airplane. We continue to increase our international presence by providing a compelling product line that is economically and opera-tionally advantageous to aviators around the world. We are pleased to work with Piper OK, the Piper dealer for the Czech Republic, for this initial European sale of the M600.”

Coinciding with the sale, a European M600 demonstration tour has begun in the Czech Republic and will cover six countries over 90 days, with visits to Piper dealerships and key aviation events across the region. Piper achieved FAA certification of the newest addition to the M-class family, the M600, in June 2016. Application to EASA for validation was made immediately following receipt of FAA type certification, and is expected within the next 90 days. The M600 features a clean sheet design wing and Garmin G3000 touchscreen-controlled glass flight deck. The M600 seats six and is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A 600 shp engine.