Keith Douglas, CEO of GippsAero said, "For our Australia and India teams, this is a much deserved recognition. This now gives us an opportunity to progress into the next stage of the program which will address customer and region specific enhancements to the aircraft. We expect delivery of the first aircraft to identified customers by the early 2018. There has been a significant demand for such aircraft in expanding general aviation turboprop market and we are confident we will fill the gap by providing this cost effective solution."

GippsAero will follow its process of intensive consultation and operational trials with lead customers, and representatives from its world-wide distribution network to refine the basic utility aircraft progressively for the many roles it will meet in service.

The Rolls-Royce M250 powered AIRVAN 10 follows in the footsteps of the piston engine eight seat AIRVAN 8, and the Turbo charged version of this aircraft, which are now operating in 29 countries. The AIRVAN family of aircraft have been targeted at niche markets where there are few direct competitors.

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