Pipistrel Purchase to Launch Textron eAviation

• Textron’s new business segment will focus on developing sustainable aircraft
• The company will maintain Pipistrel’s brand, headquarters, research and development, and manufacturing in Slovenia and Italy

Pipistrel, whose electric-powered aircraft are rapidly becoming a preferred choice of ab initio flight training schools, is being acquired by Textron Inc. Upon closing of the transaction, expected in Q2,Textron plans to form a new business segment, Textron eAviation, focused on the development of sustainable aircraft, which will include Pipistrel.

Pipistrel founder and CEO Ivo Boscarol will remain a minority shareholder as well as Chairman Emeritus, consulting on future product plans and strategies for a two-year period.

“Pipistrel has been celebrated as one of the world’s most important and successful manufacturers of electric aircraft,” said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly. “Textron is committed to maintaining Pipistrel’s brand, headquarters, research and development, and manufacturing in Slovenia and Italy, while making additional investments in Pipistrel for the development and production of future products.”

The ”announcement supports Textron’s long-term strategy to offer a family of sustainable aircraft for urban air mobility, general aviation, cargo and special mission roles,” Donnelly added.

Textron, of course, is also home to the Cessna, Beechcraft, and Bell aircraft brands, as well TRU Simulation + Training.

Pipistrel aircraft are showing up at airstrips around the world as flight schools seek ways to mitigate their carbon footprint. In December, for example, two Velis Electro aircraft were delivered to ASL Flight Academy in Liege, Belgium. ASL Group is one of Europe’s leading business jet management and operator companies.

The Velis Electro fleet in Switzerland has achieved more than 1,000 hours of flight time with their 10 partner flight schools.

The first Pipistrel SW121 in Europe landed in June 2021 at International Flight Academy (IFA) in Portugal, and IFA became the brand’s representative in Portugal.

Pipistrel’s UK distributors have unveiled Green Airside to supply 50 fully electric Pipistrel Velis two-seater training aircraft to British flight schools.

The first Pipistrel Velis Electro flying in the US is at the Florida Institute of Technology.

In February, Pipistrel unveiled the Explorer model, EASA Type-certified in the “Normal” category using a type-certified engine, capable of running on automotive fuel, and approved for night-VFR operations, intentional spins and glider-towing. It is equipped with an advanced autopilot, dual touch-screen glass cockpit, dual COM, ADS-B In & Out, haptic stall-warning, full-airframe ballistic parachute rescue system, type-certified hydraulic constant-speed propeller and airbrakes. The Explorer can be used for commercial operations as well as for pilot training.

“Pipistrel’s team has achieved a unique prime position in personal, affordable, environmentally friendly and electric aviation,” said Boscarol. “With Textron, we are together geared to strive for future growth and look forward to announcing exciting new products and projects. I am delighted to continue witnessing my vision become a reality by being actively engaged with the company for the future.”