Cape Air orders 1 Tecnam 2012

[surveypilot]

http://www.aopa.org/aircraft/articl...ter.html?WT.mc_id=110415epilot&WT.mc_sect=gan

"The P2012 came about with what the company called an “expression of interest” request from Cape Air, a short-haul regional airline with routes in the Northeast with Continental Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines as codesharing partners. Tecnam responded, and Cape Air signed for its first P2012 at the AERO show."

 

[ackattacker]

http://www.aopa.org/aircraft/articl...ter.html?WT.mc_id=110415epilot&WT.mc_sect=gan

"The P2012 came about with what the company called an “expression of interest” request from Cape Air, a short-haul regional airline with routes in the Northeast with Continental Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines as codesharing partners. Tecnam responded, and Cape Air signed for its first P2012 at the AERO show."

Here's a link with photo of cabin mockup:

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/04/13/355536/aero11-tecnam-unveils-three-new-aircraft.html

 

[ackattacker]

More pictures and description, looks ideal for Cape Air's operation.

http://www.aeromarkt.net/index.php?&lng=1&cll=editorial&ID=2241

 

[kingairpilot]

How cute. A 21st century Twin Otter. Seriously though, this is great news for Cape Air and the 10.000's of pax that they fly. When you are flying a route structure that doesn't have enough demand for a 1900 it's tough to find an airplane that is the right size. Guess the only other option would be a Caravan...this seems nicer.

ka

 

[surveypilot]

There is a definite need for this airplane. The key will be how reliable it is. The many operators of Chieftains and 400 series twin Cessna's will be watching this airplane closely. IF they can get it to market at close to the price point they are claiming, and IF it will be as reliable as a commuter airplane has to be, Tecnam will sell a ton of them.

 

[ackattacker]

Seriously though, this is great news for Cape Air and the 10.000's of pax that they fly. When you are flying a route structure that doesn't have enough demand for a 1900 it's tough to find an airplane that is the right size. Guess the only other option would be a Caravan...this seems nicer.

ka

You'd be very surprised at how many pax Cape Air flies yearly. Over 700,000. You'll also find that they can easily beat the operating cost of a single 1900 with 2 402's and offer greater frequency of service.

 

[kingairpilot]

all I will add is WOW.

 

[Bringupthebird]

A re-make of the CE404 Turboprop would do well.

 

[CrimsonEclipse]

Not thrilled about the use of piston engines.
At least the Lycoming TEO-540-A1A will use FADEC.
I'm assuming there will be much lower maintenance considering it is fixed gear.
I'd like to know if it is a composite or conventional construction.

It would seem that a Cessna Caravan could do the same job for a similar price point.

If the maintenance is MUCH lower than a Caravan, FedEx would take notice.

As would many Twin Cessna owners.

 

[Bringupthebird]

AVGAS is going to dry up in the near future. Why would anyone spend the money developing an airplane that has no fuel?