Just in time for the start of the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) and mere months after the start of commercial single-engine turbine operations in Europe, two competing airplanes have received certification approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency.
Cirrus and Piper each announced that their newest products, the Cirrus Vision Jet and Piper M600 single-engine turboprop, are now ready for delivery in Europe.
Cirrus received the Vision’s certification papers yesterday at EBACE and delivered the first jet to a customer in Europe, which is on display at the show this week.
“This is an exciting day for Cirrus Aircraft and for our customers throughout Europe,” said Pat Waddick, Cirrus president of innovation and operations. “The EASA approval of the Vision Jet type certificate paves the way for a ramp up of aircraft deliveries in Europe and continues to propel Cirrus Aircraft into new markets across the world.”
EASA approval of the Vision comes seven months after the FAA certified the $2 million personal jet. Earlier this month the company received the FAA production certificate for the SF50. In addition, the Vision Jet recently received approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia.
Cirrus plans to ramp up production to 100 airplanes a year starting next year as it works through an order backlog of 600 airplanes built at its factory in Duluth, Minnesota.
Piper, meanwhile, announced it has been awarded EASA approval for its top-of-the-line M600, the fifth certification the $2.4 million airplane has received in the last year from aviation authorities.
The certification of the M600 by EASA coincides with a European demo tour that is currently underway. To date, the aircraft has flown 55 demos and nearly 100 flight hours in six European countries and has been on display at three trade events including EBACE.
