Italian aviation trailblazer Tecnam has unveiled the P2012 STOL, a high-performance adaptation of its P2012 Traveller piston twin, designed to surpass its aging counterparts in comfort and payload capacity. This remarkable aircraft is engineered to tackle the most demanding commercial airports globally, including unimproved strips as short as 1,000 feet.

Tecnam strategically targets a segment it deems overlooked in the air transport market, focusing on small, remote airports served by short-haul operators relying on outdated fleets that no longer align with modern customer expectations.

The P2012 STOL offers versatile configurations, accommodating nine passengers and two crew members. With a maximum takeoff weight of 8,113 pounds, it can be tailored for passenger transport, cargo delivery, or a combination of both.

Traditionally, operators in the STOL aircraft market faced limited options for enhancing and expanding their services. Tecnam’s response is a modern aircraft designed to meet current needs with innovative solutions, as highlighted by Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam’s managing director.

Competing with established models like the Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, and de Havilland Twin Otter, the P2012 STOL distinguishes itself through a comfortable, well-appointed interior. Each passenger enjoys a window view, USB ports, air conditioning, individual fresh and hot air outlets, reading lights, seat pockets, and cup-holders.

Francesco Sferra, P2012 Sales and Business Development Manager and experimental test pilot at Tecnam, emphasized Tecnam’s commitment to providing a modern, safe, and efficient solution for one of the most demanding aircraft commercial missions: the STOL mission. The P2012 STOL not only outperforms its older rivals but also complies with today’s more stringent regulations for commercial operations.

In terms of performance, at its Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW), the P2012 STOL requires a mere 900-foot ground run and 1,395 feet to clear a 50-foot obstacle during takeoff. Landing over an obstacle at the maximum landing weight of 8,003 pounds necessitates just 1,180 feet, with a ground roll of only 510 feet.

Having completed successful flight tests earlier this year, the P2012 STOL is set to undergo the validation process next year, marking a significant leap forward in the evolution of air travel capabilities. Join us on this transformative journey as Tecnam redefines the boundaries of aviation excellence.