Working With Ex-Im Bank To Provide Financing Options For International Twin Otter Customer Base

Ikhana announces the launching of their Twin Otter X2 program as a package of proprietary modifications and enhancements coupled with full maintenance and current inspections. The program uses Ikhana’s RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Wing Box and Re-Life Fuselage Supplemental Type Certificates (STC) as the FAA approved engineering design basis. The package authorizes the “Re-Life” of time-expired DHC-6 airplanes to new “Zero Time” structural life limits of 66,000 flight hours or 132,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first.

“The key to the Ikhana Twin Otter X2 is the combination of our STC’d RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Fuselage with our RWMI Re-Life Wing Box to create value from an operator’s unusable timed-out asset.” states Mr. John Zublin, President/CEO of Ikhana. “We are essentially providing the Twin Otter with a new “birth certificate” and a new, full useful life,” he said “Ikhana Is currently working on three deliveries for 2013.”

The “X2” designation is the packaging of the RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Fuselage with the RWMI DHC-6 Re-Life Wing Boxes. New systems are installed along with a customer’s choice of avionics, Overhaul Condition (OHC) or factory new engines, and OHC or new propellers. Aircraft are delivered with a complete airplane exterior paint stripping, epoxy prime, seam seal, and epoxy paint (Dupont Imron) and interior, based on customer specifications.

At the same time, the company is completing the development of financing support through the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) in order to provide its international customer base with a low interest financing option for the airplanes. With a strong position in the international DHC-6 Twin Otter marketplace and approximately 75 percent of its U.S. manufactured output being exported out of the country, the financing option is aimed at supporting the company's international customers.

“Capital allocations and cash flow management are typical concerns for any Twin Otter owner/operator. Ikhana’s Twin Otter X2 airplanes are especially attractive in terms of price and the low interest financing plans. These financing plans will be offered in connection with the Ex-Im Bank providing our international clients an economical option over leasing an aircraft.” explained Marcos M. Carvalhal, Ikhana’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “In an increasingly competitive and global economy, Ikhana is always looking for tools to help both our U.S. and international client base,” stated Carvalhal.

“Providing financing options for the Ikhana Twin Otter X2 product is a natural progression as we transition the X2 program from the STC development phase into production,” explained Mr. John A. Zublin, President/CEO of Ikhana. “We are able to double the useful life of the airframe by replacing all critical, life limited structural components along with the related systems, engines, propellers, and interior items.” Adds Mr. Zublin. “Our proprietary STC’s are used as the approval basis authorizing the Ikhana Twin Otter X2 to have a “zero time” structural life limit of 66,000 flight hours or 132,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first, essentially providing the Twin Otter with a new “birth certificate.”

(Image provided by Ikhana)

FMI: http://Ikhanagroup.com