Textron, home to the Cessna, Beechcraft, and Bell aviation brands, is buying Pipistrel, a pioneer and global leader in electrically powered aircraft, based in Slovenia and Italy.
In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full-type European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification.
“With Textron, Pipistrel will have access to greater resources, technical and regulatory expertise, and a global aircraft sales and support network, enabling it to accelerate its development and certification of electric and hybrid electric aircraft,” Textron officials said in announcing the purchase.
Once the deal is done — expected in the second quarter of 2022 — Textron plans to form a new business segment, Textron eAviation, focused on the development of sustainable aircraft, which will include Pipistrel, company officials add.
“Pipistrel puts Textron in a uniquely strong position to develop technologies for the sustainable aviation market and develop a variety of new aircraft to meet a wide range of customer missions,” said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly.
He added the purchase “supports Textron’s long-term strategy to offer a family of sustainable aircraft for urban air mobility, general aviation, cargo, and special mission roles.”
“Pipistrel has been celebrated as one of the world’s most important and successful manufacturers of electric aircraft,” continued Donnelly. “Textron is committed to maintaining Pipistrel’s brand, headquarters, research and development, and manufacturing in Slovenia and Italy, while making additional investments in Pipistrel for the development and production of future products.”
Pipistrel founder and CEO Ivo Boscarol will remain a minority shareholder, as well as Chairman Emeritus, consulting on future product plans and strategies for a two-year period.
“Under my 30-year leadership, Pipistrel’s team has achieved a unique prime position in personal, affordable, environmentally friendly, and electric aviation. The trend and foundation for future projects has clearly been set,” said Boscarol. “To drive Pipistrel’s ambitious goals and to continue its story of success, the joining of Textron and Pipistrel provides deep expertise and resources which would otherwise be inaccessible to Pipistrel alone. With Textron, we are together geared to strive for future growth and look forward to announcing exciting new products and projects. I am delighted to continue witnessing my vision become a reality by being actively engaged with the company for the future.”
The Velis Electro certification in 2020 followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000. Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations, company officials noted.
The company, which offers a line of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989.
yes 2 seater please
I would say that with the coming rewrite, that 4 seater piston sales are about to take off, and all Cessna has is ancient iron. As an example, the recently reintroduced Turbo 182 is effectively a $700k 4 seater with a 155kt cruise.
With the rewrite, you’ll be able to snag a factory built Sling HW or Flight Design F4, with 145kt cruise, similar range, for literally half price.
I would posit that maybe Pipistrel has some as yet unseen 4 seat HW with a 915is in development that Cessna might like to add, but that seems highly unlikely. And the Panthera isn’t exactly a low-cost alternative to Cessna’s current line. Given what Cessna did to the Columbia/TTX, I doubt the Panthera is going to get too much love.
So, really, I don’t see the point of the purchase, unless Textron really is just adding it as an investor draw— see we’re working on green stuff!
Il y a pas photos ! Textron le plus grand des constructeurs avions de sa gamme , ne c est pas trompé ! voir son dernier SkyCourier génial et promis a un grand avenir tous domaines ! Pipistrel est un nid de passionnés xtra novateurs dans les nouvelles techno hybrides e ! Bravo et bravo ! Il va en ressortir que des bonnes et novatrices nouvelles ! Merci Thank you merci a Tous !
sorry, most of us only read English…!!
I hope this means that the Pipistrel Virus SW will be more available in the U.S.
Translation via online software so likely not 100% but I think it gets the point across.
There are no photos! Textron the largest aircraft manufacturer in its range, it’s not deceived! See his latest awesome and promised SkyCourier has a great future in all areas! Pipistrel is a nest of innovative xtra enthusiasts in new hybrid techno! Bravo and congratulations! It will emerge only good and innovative news! Thank you Thank you thank you all!