Tecnam Aircraft is celebrating 75 years with the first Astore P-48 in 1948. Italian brothers Luigi and Giovanni Pascale started their legacy by gathering four non-working aircraft engines in a flea market full of post-war machines. They assembled a working engine for their first aircraft, the P-48 Astore, which first flew in 1951.

In 1957 they founded Partenavia to produce single-engine high and low-wing aircraft for the Italian market, flight schools and flying clubs. International recognition came with the P68, a six-seater twin-engine aircraft with increased sales in the US and Australia. In 1986 the company pivoted, establishing Tecnam Aircraft to produce parts for other manufacturers such as Boeing, ATR and AgustaWestland.

In 1990, Paolo Pascale, the current CEO, championed the design of the P92. This ultralight aircraft elevated the Tecnam brand, with over 2,600 aircraft produced. Over the next two decades Tecnam would design, manufacture and deliver the Seasky, the twin engine P2006T, the first composite P2008, the P2010 and most recently the P2012 twin engine to meet the needs of cargo, regional and air medical operators.

Tecnam has three production facilities in Italy and subsidiaries in Sebring, Florida, and Brisbane, Australia. Tecnam produces over 85 per cent of the aircraft in its own facilities, increasing quality and on-time deliveries. “Tecnam operates in more than 65 countries and has over 175 dealers and service centres to meet our customer needs,” states Paolo Pascale, CEO at Tecnam. “Our goal is to expand our global presence and enter new markets in the very short term.”

“My family's accomplishments in aircraft design and manufacturing have inspired me. My career at Tecnam started almost 13 years ago; having been a mechanic and a metal sheet worker, I appreciate our aircraft's engineering and simplicity. Flying the Tecnam aircraft, I had the opportunity to appreciate the amazing flying characteristics of our fleet,” adds Giovanni Pascale, MD. “Implementing my experience in our manufacturing process, sales and service, it's a family tradition founded on passion and heritage. A lifetime commitment focused on innovation and consistency, 75 years in aviation is a tremendous achievement. We look forward to what lies ahead for Tecnam and our customers.”