Czech manufacturer Bristell has reported an impressive 2024, during which it delivered 112 aircraft and achieved several other manufacturing and design milestones.
In a statement published this week, CEO Martin Bristela said the company had a strong year, which included delivering the 1000th airframe and securing some certifications vital to the company's ambitions.
"Our success continues to be built on the core principles that have always guided us: uncompromising safety, exceptional build quality, superior flight characteristics, industry-leading cabin comfort, and outstanding efficiency," he said.
"What makes me most proud is seeing how our aircraft continue to earn the trust of pilots worldwide as we deliver on our promise to build exceptional aircraft.
"Few companies in our industry reach the milestone of manufacturing 1000 aircraft. This achievement represents years of dedication, countless hours of precise craftsmanship, and most importantly, the trust that pilots worldwide place in Bristell.
"We're immensely proud of this milestone, as it validates our commitment to building exceptional aircraft and confirms our position among the world's leading light aircraft manufacturers.
Among the milestones was the first flight of the Bristell B23M in the USA. The B23M is fitted with a 160-hp Rotax 916iS engine and has been designed to comply with the expectations of the FAA's MOSAIC regulations, which are due to be finalised this year.
"We've successfully adapted the aircraft to meet these new specifications, and the initial feedback from our demonstrations has been very promising," Bristela said.
"While we're still in the early stages, the interest we're seeing from the US market confirms we're on the right track with this development."
Bristell was awarded German Ultralight certification for the Classic 916iS during the year, and is working toward certification also for the B23912iSC as well, which Bristela points out is a development of the stock B23 model.
"This aircraft builds on the exceptional foundation of the B23 platform – known for its class-leading cabin width, exceptional handling characteristics, and reliable construction," he said.
"What makes this version special is the perfect integration of an economical engine with our new advanced automatic propeller system.
"Together, they deliver remarkable efficiency with fuel consumption around 16L per hour, while maintaining the performance that pilots expect from Bristell."
In a major achievement for the company, they were also able to gain IFR certification for their B23 with the Rotax 915 engine. According to Bristela, the certification represents a major milestone that positions Bristell well for the future.
"While we're immensely proud to deliver a fully-capable IFR aircraft that meets the highest standards of safety and performance, we're also excited about the future," he said.
"As new technologies emerge, we'll continue to enhance our IFR platform, integrating innovative solutions that will further expand the capabilities of our aircraft."
Bristela said the company would continue working on developing the Bristell Turbine, which is fitted with a Turbotech engine, built as a certified UL aircraft or as a MOSAIC aircraft for the USA.
"As we enter 2025, we're not resting on our laurels," he concluded. "We have exciting developments in the pipeline, and while there are many exciting developments in the works.
"What I can say is that we'll continue doing what we do best – building aircraft that make pilots smile."