Chinese conglomerate orders 20 Thrush 510Gs

Albany, Ga.-based Thrush Aircraft has begun shipping the first three of a 20-aircraft order of its dual cockpit model 510Gs to Chinese agribusiness conglomerate Heilongjiand State Farms Beidahuand Group, based in Jiamusi, China.

The group, which oversees one of China's largest farming companies, has given Thrush the single largest order in its history. Although the privately held company did not release a dollar figure, it did note that including spare parts and training, the deal is valued “well into eight figures.”

China will take delivery of the newly FAA-certified dual cockpit 510Gs when they arrive in about two weeks. The first three aircraft are being ferried from Albany to China, while the remainder will be containerized and shipped.

Thrush has been doing pilot and mechanic training for Heilongjiand State Farms for the past two months. As the 501Gs are delivered in Jiamusi, the company will provide on-site orientation and assistance for flight crews. The aircraft will be used to spray crops including rice, soybeans, and corn.