VACAVILLE, Calif., – July 24, 2023 – ICON Aircraft, maker of the revolutionary ICON A5 Light Sport Aircraft, is reaffirming its dedication to improving the customer experience, fostering company growth, and prioritizing safety. The Company unveiled several new product features and initiatives during the first day of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 as part of its continued efforts to expand the accessibility of flying and drive innovation within the Light Sport Aircraft segment.
Enhancing the Customer Experience
ICON Aircraft announced today that a new 4-blade lightweight propeller is available as an upgrade on a new A5 and can also be retrofited on previous model years. Weighing approximately eight pounds less than the previous version, the new propeller significantly improves takeoff distance by 10-12 percent, thereby increasing the versatility and safety of the aircraft.
There are now seven different livery designs for the A5, allowing customers to personalize their aircraft to their unique tastes and preferences. Customization also extends to the avionics configurations for the A5, where adoption of the Garmin G3X TouchTM flight display with autopilot has been exceptionally strong, demonstrating the ICON Owner Community’s desire for state-of-the-art technology.
Company Growth
ICON Aircraft continues to work closely with the FAA on Type Certification for the A5, which is anticipated before the end of 2023. Once complete, ICON will be able to start fulfilling its backlog of international orders for the Type Certified A5. The Company recently completed the required noise test for Type Certification, which was one of the final remaining steps in the process.
“We are close to the finish line with type certification, which will help fuel ICON’s growth,” said Jerry Meyer, CEO of ICON Aircraft. “International expansion remains a key strategy for our business plan. There are six type-certified planes scheduled to be delivered late this year. We have solidified agreements with distributors in South Korea and Japan and are actively pursuing others in Europe, Australia, South America, and Southeast Asia. Once Type Certification is complete, we anticipate that 25-30 percent of sales will be from outside of the U.S.”
Safety
As ICON continues to expand in North America and around the globe, safety remains a priority. Flight Training at ICON Flight Centers in Tampa, FL, and Northern California is open to the public and both locations also conduct factory training for new owners. The Company also coordinates with dozens of ICON Authorized Flight Instructors across the U.S. to conduct transition training and keep owners current and proficient in their local areas. In addition, this year the Company has seen growing interest in the A5 for both seaplane and traditional flight schools across the U.S.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 Ownership Program
ICON Aircraft has produced 192 aircraft to date and noted that production positions are filled through March of 2024. However, for customers who are seeking immediate delivery, there is good news. The Company has set aside eight production slots specifically for a special ownership program during the week of EAA AirVenture 2023. The program includes a complimentary upgrade to the new 4-blade propeller as well as several other popular features, and is valued at nearly $30,000 in savings. With only eight production slots available this fall, prospective owners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
