Tecnam delivers Australia’s first P2012 STOL aircraft to Horizon Airways

Tecnam has announced that it has delivered Australia's very first Tecnam P2012 STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft. The aircraft was delivered to Queensland-based Horizon Airways, which has operated since 1994. Its range of services includes flight training, charter operations, aerial work and remote regional support services. Tecnam states that the P2012 STOL will be replacing Horizon's aging fleet of 1970s-era aircraft and will connect communities in the Torres Strait and Cape areas. "The P2012 STOL was engineered exactly for this kind of critical mission," said Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 sales and special missions manager. "Bringing modern safety, twin-engine reliability, and premium comfort to the world's most challenging commercial runways is what this aircraft does best. We are incredibly proud to partner with Horizon Airways to introduce this game-changing aircraft to Australia. The Torres Strait is a beautiful but demanding environment, and the P2012 STOL is the perfect platform to ensure these vital island communities stay safely and efficiently connected." Tecnam claims the P2012 STOL provides the exceptional operational capabilities that are required for the unique Torres Strait environment. The twin-engine has exceptional takeoff and landing performance on short and unprepared runways with an extended 16.6-meter (54.5-foot) wingspan and enhanced lift devices. This reduces the required runway length and gives Horizon Airways the ability to service outer island communities reliably, which includes the Mabuiag, Darnley and Murray Islands, which have some of the country's shortest commercial airstrips. The STOL has a maximum gross weight of about 8,113 lbs. with a useful load of 2,831 lbs. while maintaining a modern design, with a wide cabin and 11 seats. The cabin entrance and accommodation are improved with a wide, single-access door and a central aisle. Additionally, there is a dedicated window for each of the nine individual passengers. There are no benches or double seats and passengers can enjoy amenities like USB ports, cabin air conditioning, individual fresh and hot air outlets, dedicated reading light, seat pockets and cup and mobile phone holders. RELATED STORIES: Tecnam introduces new P2012 special mission aircraft variants Tecnam unveils new P2012 VIP aircraft at AERO Friedrichshafen Tecnam P2012 STOL achieves EASA certification "With the purchase of the Tecnam P2012 STOL, the future of regional air travel across the Torres Strait and Cape communities has begun," said Ed Morrison, CEO of Horizon Airways. "This first-of-its-kind aircraft in Australia has been purpose-built to meet the unique demands of our region and deliver a level of capability unlike anything currently operating in the market. Operating from Horn Island, the Tecnam P2012 STOL will allow us to provide safer, more reliable access throughout the Torres Strait and Northern Cape communities, while offering modern comfort for passengers travelling across some of Australia's most remote locations. Its outstanding short runway performance gives us the ability to service outer island communities, while also providing nine air-conditioned passenger seats and the latest in modern aviation safety technology. We believe this aircraft represents a major step forward for regional aviation in Northern Australia and for the communities that rely on these essential services every day."