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In The Works: American Utilicraft FF-1080
By: AIN Staff
Caption: American Utilicraft (AWC) last month said that WSI Hong Kong had signed a letter of intent in November last year “to facilitate on-going discussions and ne
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American Utilicraft (AWC) last month said that WSI Hong Kong had signed a letter of intent in November last year “to facilitate on-going discussions and negotiations for positions on 300 FF-1080 Freight Feeder Aircraft, including exclusive rights for sales and support in the Far East Markets.” According to John Dupont, president and CEO of AUC, this indicates the company’s efforts to launch “back into the market” post-9/11, and is a statement of its dedication and commitment to bring the FF-1080 into production. “We are very pleased to be in negotiations to launch the aircraft into the international freight market with WSI Hong Kong,” said Dupont. “Additionally, the letter of intent for 300 aircraft reinforces our belief that the FF-1080 can fulfill the growing need in the global short-haul feeder segment, which presently is a completely untapped market. This will be a great opportunity to prove the FF-1080’s capabilities in the demanding utility markets of the Far East.” During the first quarter of this year, AUC and WSI Hong Kong officials expect to finalize the terms for the first production lot of 36 aircraft. Initial deliveries are anticipated to begin in 2006, if AUC is able to meet its planned start of construction of the pre-production prototype aircraft this year. Under the proposed distributorship agreement, privately held WSI Hong Kong will have aircraft sales responsibilities for the Far East, working in partnership with American Utilicraft, and will assist in the development of additional contractors for maintenance and product-support programs in the Far East. AUC is located in Lawrenceville, Ga.