Tecnam and Cape Air said this week they have agreed on a delivery schedule for the 11-seat twin commuter that was designed to replace the Cessna 402s in Cape Air’s fleet. Cape Air has agreed to buy 100 of the P2012 Traveller airplanes, and Tecnam now says the first 20 will start deliveries in January 2019. “What we asked of Tecnam was not easy, but they gave us a real solution for our future needs in a changing industry,” said Dan Wolf, CEO of Cape Air. “We are now able to offer our passengers a modern and stylish twin-engine aircraft ideal for small community air service in the U.S. and abroad. Tecnam has created a great product that is both innovative and beautiful. We are confident the Traveller will delight our communities and customers.” The P2012 was announced in 2012, and debuted at Aero Friedrichshafen in Germany this year.
The aircraft was designed by company founder Luigi Pascale, and first flew in July 2016. The design has accumulated more than 250 flight hours. P2012 serial number 002 has been configured as a conforming production aircraft and will be the template for P2012 customer production aircraft. The airplane is equipped with Garmin G1000 Nxi avionics and powered by two 375-HP Lycoming piston engines. Besides its commuter role, the airplane can be used for VIP transport, cargo, parachuting and medevac, and can be equipped with floats for amphibious operations, the company says. Tecnam said they expect EASA and FAA certification in 2018. The P2012 sells for $2.3 million.
