Reignwood Aviation (Booth P732) accepted the first Viking Aircraft Twin Otter 400 to be delivered in China during a ceremony today at ABACE 2016. The Zhuhai-based company was also tapped as a Twin Otter dealer for Greater China and simultaneously placed an order for 50 of the Canadian-manufactured turboprop twins.
Over the next 12 months, Reignwood will establish a Twin Otter completions and service facility, as well as a pilot training center, at its Zhuhai headquarters, according to Viking Aircraft vice president of strategic planning Dominique Spragg. “We also envision that Twin Otters for Chinese customers will eventually be assembled in country,” he told AIN.
The fixed-gear and float versions of the Twin Otter are CAAC certified, but Chinese approval of the amphibian version is still pending. Reignwood chairman Galba Zheng said the versatility of the amphibian version will be a huge asset for operators in China, where aviation infrastructure isn’t yet fully developed in many parts of the country. He anticipates that the $6.95 million airplane will be used in commuter, VIP and medevac operations, among others.
Spragg (left) and Zheng celebrated the deal here today at ABACE.