Tecnam P2012s storming US market

The project started in 2011 as Cape Air sought a replacement for its fleet of aging Cessna 402s, which have provided short-haul flights for the carrier for decades. The result was the P2012, which can carry as many as nine passengers and bags plus a pilot. The new model received FAA certification in August. It is powered by a pair of full authority digital engine control-managed Lycoming engines and boasts a Garmin G1000 cockpit. The engines are designed to run on unleaded fuel once a viable solution becomes available.

Shannon Yeager, Tecnam director of sales, said the cockpit is designed for pilots getting their first commercial job.

While Cape Air has the bulk of the orders, Tecnam has 35 to 40 orders from other companies with more in the works. The company is developing cargo and combination cargo/passenger versions of the aircraft as well and two different medevac options. Yeager said a base airplane can be purchased for about $2.6 million. Deicing and air conditioning systems, for example, would be extra. On a typical round trip with legs of about 100 miles, the operating costs total between $391 and $404 per hour, he estimated.

Tecnam plans to produce 25 P2012s in 2020 and 35 in 2021.