TEXTRON AVIATION SETP DEVELOPMENT

Gulfstream also pointed out that it had enhanced its support for a growing number of Europe-based operators with new company-authorised maintenance sites in Austria and Germany. The addition of two company-authorised maintenance sites, Jet Aviation’s service centre in Vienna and Altenrhein Aviation’s new Berlin line maintenance operation, help support a fleet of more than 220 aircraft in Europe, including over 30 based in the central section of the continent. Textron Aviation revealed further programme details around the development of its highly anticipated single-engine turboprop aircraft (SETP), including unmatched performance specification targets, a superior passenger experience and the programme’s timeline. The company also announced that letters of intent for the high performance, clean sheet SETP are being accepted. The SETP will be designed to have cruise speeds of up to 285 knots and full fuel payload of 1,100 pounds. With a planned range of 1,600 nautical miles at high speed cruise with one pilot and four passengers, the aircraft will be able to fly from Los Angeles to Chicago, New York to Miami, London to Moscow or Geneva to Istanbul. It will feature the widest and most comfortable cabin in its segment while offering best-in-class operating costs. The programme

is targeting first flight in 2018.