Textron to acquire Pipistrel and form new business segment with a focus on developing sustainable aircraft
Textron, home to the Cessna, Beechcraft and Bell aviation brands, has confirmed an agreement to purchase Slovenian electric aircraft developer Pipistrel
The transaction is expected during Q2 2022 and will also include the companies PIPISTREL d.o.o., PIPISTREL VERTICAL SOLUTIONS d.o.o and PIPISTREL ITALIA SRL. Textron also plans to form a new business segment called Textron eAviation, which will be focused on the development of sustainable aircraft.
Scott Donnelly, Textron Chairman and CEO, said: “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. 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.”
Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Textron eAviation will focus on sustainable flying, backed by Textron’s 100 years of expertise. Taking the lead in Textron’s development of sustainably powered flight, Textron eAviation will leverage the industry-leading product design, certification, manufacturing, and aftermarket solutions from across Textron’s businesses, coupled with the newly acquired expertise of Pipistrel.
With Textron, Pipistrel will have access to greater resources, technical and regulatory expertise and a global aircraft sales and support network, enabling it to accelerate its development and certification of electric and hybrid electric aircraft.
Pipistrel founder and CEO, Ivo Boscarol, will remain a minority shareholder as well as Chairman Emeritus, consulting on future product plans and strategies for a two-year period.
Boscarol said: “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 have clearly been set.
“To drive Pipistrel’s ambitious goals and to continue its story of success, the joining of Textron and Pipistrel provides deep expertise and resources which would otherwise be inaccessible to Pipistrel alone. With Textron, we are together geared to strive for future growth and look forward to announcing exciting new products and projects. I am delighted to continue witnessing my vision become a reality by being actively engaged with the company for the future.”
In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
This achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000. Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognised through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organisations.
The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development.
Donnelly added: “Pipistrel has been celebrated as one of the world’s most important and successful manufacturers of electric aircraft. 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.”