Will Join A New Sustainable Segment: Textron eAviation

Textron appears to be ready to collect another trophy for its collection of brands, this time buying up lightweight electric aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel. 

The acquisition may see the same benefits given to other brands under the Textron banner, granting access to "greater resources, technical, and regulatory expertise," according to the company. The deal will also unlock a "global aircraft sales and support network, enabling it to accelerate its development and certification of electric and hybrid aircraft.

Maybe.

Not discussed, though, is the state of resolution (or lack thereof) concerning complaints and in-process litigation lodged against Pipistrel by former North American Distributor, Michael Coates, who claims hundreds of thousands of dollars (over $600K, at last count) owed to him by Ivo Boscarol and Pipistrel. Additionally; a number of complaints have been made and/or published about the Slovenian company by owners, dealers, and former dealers. There are also a number of ponderous issues being brought up as to the conduct of the personnel and company that ultimately was appointed to take Coates's place, Right Rudder Aviation -- who has refused to discuss the matter, officially, due to the legal issues surrounding the situation.

The buy was supposed to accelerate Textron's sustainable aero tech capabilities and positions Pipistrel to further hone its brand as the green, ecologically-friendly subsidiary under a new segment, Textron eAviation. “Pipistrel puts Textron in a uniquely strong position to develop technologies for the sustainable aviation market and develop a variety of new aircraft to meet a wide range of customer missions,” said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly. He said that the acquisition will help to build a strong base of sustainability across the company as expected boom in urban air mobility comes closer to fruition every day.

“Today’s 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.”

“Pipistrel has been celebrated as one of the world’s most important and successful manufacturers of electric aircraft,” continued 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.”

Pipistrel founder and CEO Ivo Boscarol will become chairman emeritus and move to a position of consultant for future Pipistrel releases for the next 2 years as the company eases into its new leadership. 

The rarely bashful Boscarol boasted that, "Under my 30-year leadership, Pipistrel’s team has achieved a unique prime position in personal, affordable, environmentally friendly and electric aviation. The trend and foundation for future projects has clearly been set.”

More info to follow...

FMI: www.textron.com, www.pipistrel-aircraft.com