WACO Aircraft Corporation has ceased operations at its Battle Creek, Michigan facility, abruptly ending production of its vintage-style biplanes.
According to a source who spoke with Plane & Pilot, a sister publication, employees were notified via email last night not to report for work this morning. Forty employees were let go while 20 are reportedly working through the closure.
Additional details are expected to come later Wednesday or on Thursday.
A notice posted on the facility’s door confirmed the news.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we share some deeply difficult news regarding the future of WACO Aircraft Corporation, Centennial Aircraft Services, and DIMOR Group Inc.,” the notice reads. “After exhausting every possible path to keep our operations running, ownership has made the painful decision to cease aircraft production and maintenance services in the U.S., effective immediately.”
WACO was acquired by Dimor Group in 2018 in a move aimed at expanding production and broadening its portfolio of heritage aircraft. Alongside its manufacturing operations, the company also provided maintenance and support services at Battle Creek Executive Airport (KBTL) for its fleet and restorations.
They may have had a problem similar to Sonex, with existing aircraft selling for 1/2 or less than a new Waco at $600,000
Wait, you mean there’s not a market for $500K open-cockpit biplanes? Still, beautiful aircraft and sad to read this.
I was at an exposition right after covid, and they were on display. Beautiful aircraft. Prices hovering around what a new 182 goes for. I’m definitely not comparing the 2 aircraft. But if a potential buyer was looking to purchase an airplane, the waco is more like an expensive toy. The Cessna has more utility. Just saying…
This is Great Again!
How is that similar problem to Sonex? That’s like not even close to a homebuilt aircraft.
The age of the Jetsons is upon us! The Jetson 1 has sold over 635 each; Yivtol has sold over 100 world wide. Fixed wing aircraft are know seen as antiques! Yes, a market will always exist for antiques, but less and less! EAA and AOPA are ignoring this trend, to their detriment!
The jetson 1 has 650 order based on an 8000 refundable deposit
To whit the cyber truck had a million presets on a refundable deposit but only 50000 were built over several years.
Sales
Are best view upon delivery not no risk prefers
And it wont take long for one to realize the limitation of ultra light operations you can’t take off from your front door legally unless you live inthe far boonies
And 150k for
A 20 min ride will eat up orders quickly