The Slovenia-based light aircraft manufacturer has created a new subsidiary in China to produce electric and hybrid aircraft for the Chinese and SE Asian markets.
Slovenia-based light aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel has created a new subsidiary in China, Pipistrel Asia-Pacific, General Aviation Technology Co. Ltd. The new company becomes the general distributor of Pipistrel for China.
The new company will produce Pipistrel's Alpha Electro and Panthera Hybrid. Pipistrel will sell the technology and the rights for production and sales of the two aircraft models to Pipistrel Asia-Pacific for 11 countries in SE Asia.
Pipistrel already has an MoU with China's Sino GA Group Co., signed last year, covering long-term cooperation in China, East Asia and Asia-Pacific.
Pipistrel Asia-Pacific will be in charge of "Project Jurong", which aims to establish an aviation and tourist centre near the city of Nanjing.
The project includes construction of a new airport, aircraft factory, villa compound and an aviation university over the next two years. Pipistrel Asia-Pacific will take care of acquisition of land, construction and management of a 130 hectare airport complex, including infrastructure, tourist settlement and all supporting activities.
Pipistrel is well known for its pioneering work on electric and hybrid propulsion systems. In addition to the Alpha Electro two-seat electric trainer, its product lineup includes the Taurus Electro G2 motorised glider, claimed to be the only electric two-seater currently in series production. The other model in the Pipistrel Asia-Pacific portfolio, the Panthera Hybrid, features a 145kW hybrid-electric powertrain.
The company is involved in the Uber "flying taxi" scheme and the hydrogen fuel cell-powered HY4 project.