Extra Aircraft, manufacturer of the EA-500 business turboprop, is celebrating 25 years in the aviation industry this year.

"I am proud of every single aeroplane that has come out of our factory over the past 25 years," said Walter Extra, mechanical engineer and founder of Extra Aircraft. "I am honoured to be able to continue making and flying in these exceptional aircraft."

Though it is known primarily for its aerobatic aeroplanes, the company entered the business aviation market in 1998 with the the EA-400, a six-seat piston aircraft. The turboprop version, the EA-500, is expected to roll off the production line in the second quarter of 2006.

Priced at $1.345 million, the EA-500 sports a Rolls-Royce 250-B17F/2 engine, delivering 450hp. It received EASA approval on July 19, 2004.