GippsAero GA8 Airvan
The interior of the GippsAero GA8 Airvan has received a facelift, improving the comfort for up to eight occupants of the utility airplane. Karen Nelson, the design/customer service director of Columbia, South Carolina-based Eagle Aviation, which designed the Airvan’s new executive interior, said the materials were chosen based on the known applications of the GA8, which serves diverse missions such as surveillance in the outback of Australia, missionary work in Central America, skydiving and air ambulance, to name a few.
Nelson said the seats and sidewalls of the new executive interior are covered with Ultraleather, a material that is both durable and easy to clean. The leather in the center sections of the seats is also perforated for breathability. The executive interior is optional and will add 45 to 65 pounds to the empty weight of the airplane. While only one color selection is available at this time, individual customization is available, GippsAero/Mahindra Aerospace’s director of business development Early Boyter said. Pricing has not yet been finalized.
GippsAero is also exploring new powerplant options for the GA8, including several diesel engines including the Centurion, Continental and SMA engines, Boyter said. A turbine-powered airplane is also being considered.
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