Caribbean airline St Barth Executive will be the launch customer for a short takeoff and landing (STOL) version of Tecnam’s P2012 twin.
The operator will use the aircraft for travel between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Saint Barthelemy. The P2012 STOL’s short take-off and landing abilities – which include a takeoff distance of just 1,394 feet (425 m) – will allow for scheduled flights on routes previously only accessible by boat. This will dramatically reduce travel times, with flights between the islands expected to take just 50 minutes.
St Barth Executive plans to begin service in mid-June with a fleet of three P2012 STOL aircraft. The operator anticipates high demand and expects to schedule up to six daily flights during peak season. This increased accessibility is expected to be a boon for tourism and business travel in the region.
The P2012 STOL is a modified version of Tecnam’s P2012 aircraft and features a broader wingspan to accommodate its specialized capabilities. With nine passenger seats and powered by two Continental GTSIO-520-S engines, this new aircraft is well-suited for short inter-island service.
A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Douglas Royce is currently co-editor of four of Forecast International's Market Intelligence Services: Civil Aircraft Forecast, Military Aircraft Forecast, Rotorcraft Forecast, and Aviation Gas Turbine Forecast. As such, he plays a key role in many important projects that involve market sizing and forecasting for various segments of the world aerospace industry, as well as demand for related systems.
