Story ID: 357OSH18
Mooney Celebrates 70th Year
By: Mark Huber
Caption: Plans Manufacture Of 20 Aircraft In 2018 
Word Count: 211
Mooney Aircraft is celebrating its 70th anniversary this week at EAA AirVenture, announcing a new marketing partnership with Porsche North America and new customer sales programs, including “Fill and Fly.”

The Kerrville, Texas-based aircraft manufacturer previously worked with Porsche to certify its first aviation engine in 1988—the geared, 3.2 liter, PFM 3200. Under the “Fill and Fly” program, new Mooney customers pay for gas and insurance, while Mooney provides an allowance for flight training up to $10,000 and three years’ or 300 hours’ worth of limited consumables and maintenance as part of a tip-to-tail warranty.

The company is financially “really strong,” said Mooney director of marketing Lance Phillips, thanks to investment from China, and it plans to deliver 20 new aircraft this year, with the goal of doubling that number in 2019. Phillips said about one-third of 2018 deliveries would be non-turbocharged Ovation Ultra models. The Ovation Ultra and the Acclaim Ultra were recently certified in Australia, he noted.

“The market outlook right now is very strong. People are excited to look into aviation and spend their resources to help to expand their businesses and personal lives through aviation,” Phillips said. “It’s a good environment,” but still not as good as when Mooney was delivering 100 aircraft per year in 2008.