M&M to launch 8-seater utility aircraft soon in domestic market

"We plan to launch the aircraft - the Mahindra GrippsAero GA8 TC 320 Airvan - in the domestic market shortly," Mahindra Aerospace executive director and chief executive Arvind Mehra told reporters here today.

The company has already applied for regulatory approvals like certification, etc, Mehra told newsmen after GrippsAero GA8 TC 320 Airvan, which has already circumnavigated 21 countries, made its maiden landing at the Juhu air-strip here.

The company has an ambitious plan of launching a range of small segment aircraft such as a 5-seater, 8-seater, 10-seater and an 18-seater in the country, Mehra said, adding there is good potential for these aircraft here.

Aircraft like the GA8 TC 320 Airvan are quite useful for difficult terrains because of their capability to take off or land at very small air-strips, he said.

"Besides, we are also looking at this aircraft for emergency medical evacuation services and point-to-point connectivity as well as in other operations like charter and surveillance services," Mehra said.

Last year, Mahindra Aerospace jointly with Kotak PE had acquired a controlling stake in two Australian aerospace companies--Gippsland Aeronautics (Gipps Aero) and Aerostaff Australia. While Gippsland Aeronautics is into aircraft manufacturing, Aerostaff is into manufacturing aircraft components.

The Airvan is a unique 8-seater multi-role aircraft that can be deployed  both in passenger and  freight services.