GippsAERO has signed a partnership agreement with Soloy Aviation Solutions that will see Soloy provide assembly and technical support for GippsAERO for all North American orders.
Soloy Aviation is located in Olympia, Washington, and is a well-known provider of a range of aviation-related services including retrofits, reassembly, parts, accessories and kits.
GippsAERO CEO, Dr Terry Miles pointed out the importance of the move to the company's aspiration for the US market.
"We are strategically implementing Airvan maintenance centres to penetrate the market and ensure the Airvan is a viable aircraft for operators in the United States. Soloy is a welcome addition to the growing North American strategy as they have unparalleled capabilities to assemble, service and support GA8 Airvans in the region."
Understanding that many of the high value components of the aircraft such as the engine, propeller, avionics originate from the USA, GippsAERO believes it makes good commercial sense to ship critical aircraft components from Australia for local assembly to reduce lead time and improve flexibility in the North American market.
Arvind Mehra, Executive Director and CEO of GippsAERO's parent company Mahindra Aerospace sees benefits for the Mahindra brand as well.
"We are delighted to partner with Soloy Aviation Solutions which has been a well respected player in the aviation sector for the past 40 years," he said. "Their expertise will certainly help us consolidate our presence in North America and grow market awareness and visibility for the Mahindra Aerospace brand.”