After circumnavigating the globe in 2010, the Mahindra GippsAero GA8TC-320 Airvan created a buzz amongst aviation enthusiasts with its brief sortie over the 'City of Dreams'
The Mahindra GippsAero GA8TC-320 Airvan lands in Mumbai
After establishing its strong presence in every automobile category in the eco-system the Mahindra group forayed into the aerospace segment in December 2009 with the acquisition of two Australian aviation companies.
Thereafter, a Mahindra Aerospace Limited (MAPL) owned GippsAero GA8TC-320 Airvan created history in 2010 after flew around the world to raise funds and spread awareness for Malaria. After receiving a enthusiastic response from customers, suppliers and visitors at Aero India 2011 in Bangalore last year, the 8-seat multi-role aircraft recently paid a visit to the city of Mumbai, where it conducted a brief sortie to get a glimpse of the cities beautiful skyline and endless towering structures and high-rises.
Amongst the crew, which included the Pilot, Tim Pryse & Arvind Mehra, Executive Director and CEO, Mahindra Aerospace Private Limited, Bollywood actor, Kunal Kapoor was also invited to experience the Airvan’s strong value proposition on a short flight over the nations financial capital.
Pilot, Tim Pryse & Mr. Arvind Mehra, Executive Director and CEO, Mahindra
Aerospace Private Limited and Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor pose in front of the Airvan
Amongst the many features of this impressive IO 540 Lycoming engine powered airvan is its unmatched load carrying capacity, its ruggedness, spacious interiors, versatility, affordability, low maintenance costs and above all its large tyres that enable it to operate on short air strips in primitive conditions, making it ideal for remote and underdeveloped areas in a country like India.
With its robust metallic construction the Airvan is available in either normally-aspirated or turbocharged variants. Both models offer unbeatable costs per seat-mile, ensuring an economical, low maintenance and reliable operations platform. Several GA8TC-320 Airvans have already been delivered to customers in Australia and New Zealand.
Looking at the potential for such durable and performance proven airvans in the country’s domestic market, Arvind Mehra said, “The Indian market has great potential for versatile and tough planes such as the Airvan and we hope to launch it in the domestic market shortly.”
With MAPL working towards becoming a globally recognised manufacturer of cost-effective, efficient and robust utility aircrafts, its immediate priority is to consolidate its achievements and build a strong foundation for itself in the global aerospace industry.
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