Production stops on Sonaca 200

The Sonaca Group has stopped production of its Sonaca 200 aircraft, which was certified in June 2018.

Officials with the Belgium-based company said the COVID-19 pandemic was a big factor in the decision.

“The cessation of Sonaca Aircraft’s production activities is a necessary decision,” said Yves DeLatte, CEO. “The COVID-19 pandemic, which will globally impact the aviation sector until 2025, has strongly affected general aviation, especially activities related to pilot training and education.”

He noted that this “has resulted in an order level well below the break-even point for Sonaca Aircraft.”

That led the company’s board of directors “to stop financing the loss-making activities of its subsidiary Sonaca Aircraft.”

The subsidiary was created in 2016 to develop, certify, and manufacture the Sonaca 200, which was specially designed for the training market. Just 57 aircraft were sold.

Company officials note they have granted financing to “fulfill all its obligations and to facilitate the continuity of essential activities for customers,” noting that includes service and after sales support.

Company officials noted that all employees working at Sonaca Aircraft have been offered other jobs at Sonaca Group’s other entities, including in aerostructures, which produces a variety of parts for companies such as Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, and more.

“We have to focus all our strengths on our expertise in aerostructure, where Sonaca aims to become world leader by 2025,” said Delatte. “The know-how of each Sonaca Aircraft employee will be a real asset to reach this goal.”