New Mexico flight school Bellator Aviation has signed an agreement to purchase its first P2012 Traveller 11-seat aircraft.

Comfortably accommodating nine passengers with two crew, the Tecnam P2012 Traveller is a new generation, piston-powered, twin engine, high wing, fixed landing gear aircraft. The introduction of the Traveller into the Bellator fleet will provide its customers with cost-effective and varied configuration options, while offering cabin amenities such as air-conditioning, in-seat power, spacious leg room and under-seat storage space.

Bellator is planning to operate the P2012 to offer passenger service from its base at Las Cruces International airport in New Mexico to Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Dallas and Phoenix.

"The Tecnam P2012 will take our company to new heights while keeping flight training and commercial air service affordable for our local and regional community," says managing partner Daniel Roberts. "Tecnam provides the equipment and personalised support that matches the stage of growth our company is currently experiencing."

Founded in 2019 by military aviation veterans in Las Cruces, New Mexico as a flight school operating under FAA Part 61, Bellator Aviation is currently experiencing exponential growth as it strives to become the premier maintenance, charter, fixed base operator and commuter airline servicing the southern New Mexico and west Texas region. It currently offers flight training, maintenance and aircraft management with the planned addition of charter, commuter air service and Part 141 flight training once approved by the FAA. Certification is expected at the beginning of next year.

“The Tecnam P2012 is the perfect solution as it incorporates efficient design and the latest in technology, and it is fiscally smart from a business perspective. Passengers will quickly realise why Bellator chose the Traveller for its operations," says Tecnam director of sales David Copeland.

The company is also planning to build an executive terminal at the airport that boasts 24,000 sq ft of hangars, to be used for aircraft storage and maintenance, and a commercial office building with over 12,000 sq ft of leasable office space. Ground breaking is due for the summer of 2022 and construction is expected to gake 12 months.