Largest Domestic Order For Trainers In Company History

Piper Aircraft announced a historic agreement for up to 188 aircraft with the University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences in a deal valued at approximately $155 million. It represents the largest domestic order for trainer aircraft in Piper’s history and cements a forty-year partnership for the next decade.

The contract includes an initial order for 145 aircraft in a mix of Archer TX and Seminoles, over an eight-year period beginning in 2027 with an additional 43 aircraft in an optional extension of the deal into 2036.

The order exceeds UND’s 112-aircraft order in 2016 that will conclude in 2026.

Robert J. Kraus, PhD, PfMP, Dean of the UND John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences said, “Piper remains a vital collaborator in the continued success of flight training at UND. We look forward to strengthening our relationship as we prepare the next generation of pilots for careers in the airlines, business aviation, and the U.S. military. The entire Piper team has been outstanding—responsive to our needs and collaborative in enhancing the components and capabilities of the Archer TX and Seminole.”

Piper attributes its success to meeting its customer demands with 24/7 tech support, parts availability, and a seamless customer experience.

Jeremy Roesler, Director of Flight Operations at UND Aerospace said, “The Piper Archer TX and Seminole are a perfect fit for UND Aerospace. The Piper team is great to work with and continues to provide top-notch customer service for our students and aviation program. The aircraft are dependable and play a big part in keeping our students safe in all of their phases of pilot training. Without a doubt, Piper is the leading manufacturer for the commercial pilot training community.”

Piper and UND have had a strong working relationship for many years and UND has consistently selected the Piper trainers for their reliability on dispatch, ease of maintenance, and innovative technology, and overall suitability in a high-use flight training setting.

Ron Gunnarson, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Customer Support, and Quality at Piper, and a UND Aerospace alum himself. He said, “Piper values the relationship we share with UND at the highest level. The world-class flight training at UND sets the standard for the entire industry. To see them once again choose our aircraft and associated support systems is the ultimate point of pride for the 1,500 hard working men and women at Piper Aircraft.”

FMI:  www.piper.com/