EADS Proposes ‘Faster, Longer-range’ Aircraft

EADS Socata chairman and CEO Jean-Michel Léonard announced last month that the France-based manufacturer is evaluating production of a new turboprop or business jet that is bigger than the TBM 850 turboprop single. “We have the capability, market expertise and credibility to produce a faster and longer-range aircraft,” he said, adding that the new airplane would offer two more seats than the 850. He added, “We also intend to enter [the] small corporate and taxi-based market that today is limited for Socata.” The company is seeking financial and/or industrial partnerships for the ?250 million ($370 million) project, and a final decision on the new aircraft is expected early next year.