Pacific Air Charters in Hawaii has taken delivery of the first batch of two P2012 Traveller aircraft. The first arrived in August and a second took off from Santa Maria airport in California and arrived at Daniel K Inouye International airport in Honolulu after a 14 hour 57 minute flight over the sea.

With a third P2012 currently being assembled at Tecnam’s facility in Capua, Italy, and 24 additional Travellers on option, PAC’s fleet is growing rapidly to serve the Pacific market.

Multi-engine operations over water provide a significant safety advantage for the company’s market area. The P2012 Traveller will also offer very competitive operating costs due to its FADEC piston Lycoming engines. Passenger comfort was a key factor in the operator’s decision: all single seats have generous pitch, dedicated window and in-seat amenities; plus overhead stowage and dual air conditioning, which can also be operated on the ground via a DC power connection to pre-cool the aircraft prior to boarding.

The first P2012 Traveller delivered to Hawaii demonstrated its versatility when a series of wildfires broke out in the US state in early August, mainly on the island of Maui. The aircraft, operated by PAC, had only been in Hawaii for 10 days when it was used to transport and deliver thousands of pounds of desperately needed food, medicine and other supplies and, on return flights, to evacuate those who needed medical attention in Honolulu.

Pat McNamee, COO and Part 135 director of operations, says: “The P2012 Traveller confirmed that this is the perfect platform for this area. We are focused on premium services, but the aircraft has many capabilities and expands our options.”

Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 special mission platforms sales and business development manager, adds: “After one of the world’s most demanding ferry flights between the US West Coast and Hawaii, our P2012 Traveller immediately demonstrated its versatility, being able to be configured for any mission required to serve a community. And with this last 15 hour ferry flight we have set a new record for Tecnam.”