Development of the Extra 500 six-seat 'turbine business tourer' continues apace, with production having started in January. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered during April to Berlin.

Extra had delayed the start of production of the 500 in order to select a glass cockpit for the entire line, and make refinements to the pressurisation system, cabin heating and cooling, the electrical system, and to incorporate modifications derived from flying the demonstrator in Europe, the US and on ocean crossings.

The Extra 500 will feature Avidyne's Entegra glass cockpit system, comprising the FMS900w Flight Management System with new PFD and MFD panels.