Manufacturer Moves into Insolvency After Over 40 Years of Business

Flight Design general aviation GmbH, known for its ultralight and light sport aircraft, has filed for bankruptcy. The company, based at Eisenach-Kindel airfield in Germany, made the announcement on December 4, 2024.

This development follows a string of financial troubles in the aviation industry, including bankruptcies from Hoffmann Propeller, Lilium, Sonaca, and ICON earlier in the year. The insolvency case is being managed by lawyer Marcello Di Stefano.

Founded in the 1980s, Flight Design initially built hang gliders and paragliders before transitioning to ultralight aircraft production in the 1990s. Its most notable success came with the CT series, which debuted in 1996 and became a staple in the ultralight and light sport aircraft markets. Known for its spacious design and efficient performance, the CT series was especially popular in Europe and the United States, with an estimated 1,000 units delivered globally.

Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Flight Design operated a production facility in Kherson, employing around 150 workers and producing up to 200 aircraft annually. However, the conflict quickly forced the company to abandon this facility and establish new production lines in the Czech Republic and Kazakhstan. Despite these efforts, the disruption severely impacted operations.

This is not Flight Design’s first financial setback. The company previously entered insolvency in 2016 due to debt issues, eventually being acquired by Lift Air in 2017. While the move brought temporary stability, Flight Design struggled to maintain momentum with newer models like the F2 and the long-anticipated F4, a four-seat aircraft still under development.

Flight Design’s insolvency raises questions about its future in the light sport aircraft market. Efforts to recover from the loss of its Ukrainian production base and establish partnerships in Kazakhstan appeared promising but may not have been enough to secure financial stability. For now, the fate of the company and its aircraft remains uncertain as the insolvency process unfolds.

FMI: www.flightdesign.com