Tecnam unveils commercial deal, model upgrades

Tecnam announced it has signed a major fleet expansion agreement with UK-based ACS Aviation. The €3.4 million programme represents the largest aircraft investment in the Scottish flight training academy’s history. ACS Aviation has committed to a 10-aircraft expansion plan over the next four years. The initial phase includes four confirmed orders for the state-of-the-art Tecnam P-Mentor aircraft, valued at €1.3 million. The agreement also secures options for six additional aircraft, valued at €2.1 million. This strategic investment will see ACS Aviation’s total fleet grow to 23 aircraft by 2027, significantly increasing their capacity to train the next generation of commercial pilots. The introduction of the P-Mentor—a modern, efficient, and technologically advanced two-seat trainer equipped with Garmin G3X avionics—ensures that the academy’s students are training on platforms that mirror the modern airline environments they will soon enter. Craig McDonald, Group Technical Director at ACS Aviation, said: “Today is a really important moment for ACS Aviation. We’re announcing the largest aircraft order in our history — four Tecnam P-Mentor aircraft, alongside a commitment to grow that to a total of ten aircraft over the next four years. This investment is about more than just fleet size. It’s about increasing capacity, improving efficiency, and making sure our training environment reflects what airlines expect from modern pilots. We’ve seen consistent growth in demand for our airline training programmes, and this gives us the platform to continue that growth in a sustainable way. It also supports new jobs across the business and reinforces our position as a leading UK training provider.” “We are extremely pleased to see ACS Aviation continue its commitment to the P‑Mentor,” said James Cracroft at Oriens Aviation the Tecnam Dealer for the UK and Ireland. “Their decision to order four additional P‑Mentors is a strong endorsement of the aircraft’s performance, safety, and economics.” Tecnam launches P2010 MkIII upgrade (PHOTO: Tecnam) Tecnam has launched the P2010 MkIII upgrade, enhancements that will be available across the entire P2010 model range, including the P2010 IO-390, P2010 IO-360, and the P2010 TDI. The P2010 series has long been celebrated for its spacious cabin, smooth handling, and sleek Italian design. Its advanced composite fuselage boasts no life limits and is maintained entirely “on condition,” ensuring unparalleled longevity and enduring value for owners. With the MkIII upgrade, Tecnam responds directly to the needs of the most demanding aviators by introducing premium factory options and a modernised aesthetic. For the Lycoming-powered versions (IO-390 and IO-360), Tecnam is introducing a highly anticipated, factory-designed Air Conditioning system. Available as an option, this system ensures a perfectly climate-controlled cabin in all weather conditions. Certification Timeline: EASA certification is expected by Summer 2026, followed by FAA certification in October 2026. Retrofit Availability: Demonstrating Tecnam’s commitment to its current fleet, the Air Conditioning system will also be offered as a retrofit option for existing P2010 Lycoming owners. To maximise pilot situational awareness and passenger connectivity, the MkIII introduces premium avionics upgrades: Garmin Bundle Package: This optional suite transforms the cockpit with cutting-edge features, including Taxiway Routing, an Enhanced Checklist system, Garmin’s Synthetic Vision 2.0, and high-speed Starlink Connectivity to keep the cabin connected to the world, anywhere in the skies. Flight Management System (FMS) Update: Available as an avionics update for both the TDI and Lycoming versions, the FMS brings advanced flight planning and navigation capabilities directly to the pilot’s fingertips. Walter Da Costa, Tecnam’s Chief Sales Officer, stated: “The P2010 has always been a benchmark for safety, space, and style in the single-engine four-seat market. With the MkIII upgrades, we are taking the flying experience to a completely new level. By integrating these new improvements, such as our new in-house air conditioning and the latest Garmin software, we are ensuring that our owners and their passengers enjoy the ultimate cross-country journey. Tecnam adds upgraded P2012 VIP (PHOTO: Tecnam) Tecnam has unveiled its updated P2012 VIP. The P2012 VIP replaces traditional window shades with electronically dimmable smart panoramic windows. “The P2012 VIP is the ultimate expression of Italian design and aeronautical engineering,” said Paolo Pascale Langer, CEO of Tecnam. “We wanted to create an aircraft where the journey is just as magnificent as the destination. By combining the rugged reliability of the P2012 platform with bespoke luxury, smart technology, and unparalleled cabin space, we have crafted an environment that truly feels like the finest private club in the sky.” Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 & Special Mission Platforms Sales Manager, added: “Step into the P2012 VIP and you immediately realize it offers a volume and comfort level simply unmatched in this aircraft category. From the Starlink-ready connectivity to the electronically dimmable windows and the espresso machine, every single detail has been engineered to anticipate the needs of the most demanding business travelers and charter operators.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]