Convention Clips: AeroCourier notches 20-aircraft launch order

AeroCourier Group announced it received a launch order for 20 aircraft from AirShares Elite. The turboprop freight hauler is currently in the first year of a three-year design and development program, and the company said it has raised an undisclosed amount of seed money to start development work in its Bloomington., Minn., and Wichita operations.

While the proposed high-wing airplane was designed primarily for containerized freight, its 340-cu-ft cabin can also be outfitted for up to 10 passengers, and AirShares Elite plans to market the aircraft for executive transport. Atlanta-based AirShares offers fractional-ownership programs.

Paul Jackson, president of AeroCourier Group, said the company’s business plan is built around the growing general aviation and express delivery markets, especially in smaller cities and emerging markets. Although its obvious competition is the Cessna Caravan, Jackson says the AeroCourier will come in at a considerably lower price.