Fold-away seaplane could revolutionise travel
£480k will secure the ultimate in personal transport for wealthy flyers
French aircraft designers are targeting rich Scots with a seaplane with fold-away wings that means it can be parked on a driveway.
Lisa Airplanes from Le Bourget-du-lac, in southeast France, believes Scotland’s large number of lochs and islands makes it an ideal playground for their new two-seat amphibious Light Sport Aircraft, which they think could transform firstclass travel. The makers of the Akoya plane, which costs £480,000, say they have had a lot of interest from wealthy flyers looking for the ultimate in personal transport.
Scotland has 6,200 miles of coastline, 790 major islands and 562 large, freshwater lochs. It is also the only part of the UK to have a successful commercial seaplane service, Loch Lomond Seaplanes.
Vanessa Troillard, marketing manager of Lisa Airplanes, said: “We obviously can’t reveal any personal details about our potential buyers in Scotland but it’s clear how they might take advantage of the Akoya’s versatility in Scotland, with all its lochs, islands and beautiful inland landscapes.
“The Akoya has the ability to land on water, snow or land without the need to make any changes on the airplane and it has very good performance.
“It’s easy for some of our buyers to imagine nice trips to Scandinaviawhileothers,who are keener on warmer destinations, have already planned to fly from Edinburgh or Aberdeen to the French Riviera.”
The Akoya has a range of almost 1,000 miles, has a maximum speed of more than 124mph, has all the economy of a small city runaround at around 62mpg and can take off or land in less than 660ft.
It also comes with a number of unique features, including fold-away wings so it can be parked on a household driveway or towed by a car.
The plane has been built with safety in mind and has plenty of room for two cabin suitcases along with golf clubs, skis, fishing rods or diving equipment.
It can glide for miles if the engine fails and has its own built-in parachute capable of lowering the aircraft and its occupants gently to the ground.
“We really think Scotland is a perfect playground for the Akoya with all its lochs and coastline,” said Ms Troillard.
“I lived in Edinburgh for two years and I enjoyed visiting places around the country. The landscape is amazing but I did it by car, not with a seaplane.
“I would love to see some places from the sky.”
Deliveries of the aircraft to buyers are due to start next year.
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