Mobile, Alabama, USA - 25 March - Continental Motors, Inc., a subsidiary of AVIC International Holding Company of Beijing, China, announced today that in partnership with ASI Innovation of Reims, France that they have acquired from insolvency the Type Certificate, inventory and manufacturing rights for the F406 twin engine turboprop formerly produced by Reims Aviation of Reims, France.
The F406 is a twin engine, unpressurized, 14 passenger turboprop aircraft first introduced by Reims Aviation Industries in 1983. The aircraft can fill multiple roles, including passenger, cargo and mixed use applications. The acquisition offers the partners a rugged, respected aircraft that can be configured to fill many missions and roles throughout the world. In addition, the airframe can be powered by either the Pratt and Whitney PT‐6 or a Continental Motors piston engine using any of the companys geared, FADEC and diesel engine technology.
"We are pleased by the acquisition of this great airframe" said Rhett Ross, President of Continental Motors, Inc. "We will be excited to see it return to production in both a turbine and piston engine configuration to meet global demand for a cost effective twin engine utility aircraft," he went on to say.
Continental Motors has partnered with ASI Innovation (ASI), a respected provider of STC and custom design and installation services for a variety of aircraft with offices in Reims and Toulouse, France. The partnership opens exciting opportunities for the companies to work together. The companies will jointly oversee the continued airworthiness of the existing product, fleet and customers. As the companies work to bring the product back to production, ASI will have responsibility and control of all business related to government application of the F406 product, while Continental Motors will have responsibility for all commercial applications and restoring the F406 to production.
Additionally, ASI will become a distributor for CMI products in Europe. As the relationship matures, ASI will be a preferred source for developing STCs and product customization requested by customers for the turboprop and piston versions of the future F406.
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Continental Motors Group is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of aviation gasoline and jet‐A diesel piston engines with world class global services and support network for General Aviation. Continental Motors has been powering aircraft for more than 80 years and now encompasses Continental Motors, Inc. (Mobile AL), Continental Motors Beijing (China), Technify Motors GmbH (Germany), as well as Mattituck Services, Inc. and Zulu Flight Training located in Alabama. With manufacturing facilities in the USA and Germany, a worldwide distribution and service network, factory service centers, and technical/sales team spread across many continents; the company is positioned for expansion and delivering products for the global market. Continental Motors Group is committed to thinking globally and operating locally. To learn more, visit www.ContinentalMotors.aero
ASI Innovation was founded in 2010 by two experienced aviation engineers to focus on providing STC design, program management and aircraft customization services in the commercial and government market sectors. The company includes 16 team members and has offices in Reims, France and Toulouse, France. They count a number of well known names in the global aviation industry as customers.
AVIC International Holding Corporation was set up in 1979 during the initial reform and open policy period and is itself owned by the Chinese government through Aviation Industries of China (AVIC). Headquartered in Beijing, AVIC International delivered over 120 billion RMB (14.8B) in revenue in 2012. The company has over 60,000 employees across 400 subsidiaries and is located in over 180 countries. AVIC International is a well‐diversified company, with holdings in international civil aviation, Trade & Logistics, Retail & High‐end Consumables, Real Estate and Hotel Management, Electronics manufacturing, and Natural Resource Development. More information can be at www.avic‐intl.cn.
Continental Motors Contact
Robin Tillery
O. 251.436.8621
Cell. 251.753.0237
ASI‐Innovation Contact
Jean‐Pierre KOHN
O. +33 326 06 05 25
Cell. +33 685 57 86 02
