GECI SK-105 Skylander

"Skylander" redirects here. For the video game series, see Skylanders.
Skylander SK-105
Obsolete Skylander mockup at Paris Air Show 2009
Role Airliner
National origin France
Manufacturer GECI Aviation
Status Canceled



The Skylander SK-105 was a project for a new twin-turboprop light aircraft,[1] developed by Sky Aircraft, a subsidiary of GECI Aviation. The Skylander SK-105 was projected to enter service in late 2014. However, in July 2012, no prototype was even built. The project was stopped by the dissolution of the company, announced on 16 April 2013.

Design and development

The project was announced on 17 October 2001 at the Seoul Air Show. Design supervision was by the late Desmond Norman, co-designer of the Britten-Norman Islander. The first metal cut was scheduled for January 2004; the first of two prototypes were expected to fly in May 2005, but this has been postponed indefinitely, pending adequate funding.

By December 2007, plans were in hand for the formal programme launch in April 2008, following the signature of letter of intent by Turkish freight carrier ACT Airlines Group for 15 aircraft to be delivered between 2011 and 2021. Simultaneously, there was an announced partnership agreement for distribution of the Skylander in Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Turkey and several Middle East countries. Progress was slowed by a change of manufacturing plant from Portugal to France during 2008, and the target in-service date remained 2011. The programme was structured for joint funding (initially USD120 million) by three risk-sharing partners, Korean Aerospace Industries being first, on 17 October 2001, to pledge USD30 million to secure responsibility for wing production.[2]

In October 2009, a new design of the aircraft was presented.[3] After another change of manufacturing plant location (Chambley-Bussières Air Base in Lorraine), the target date of entry into service has been postponed year after year and was proposed for 2014.

On October 4, 2012, given the lack of funding, GECI Aviation Sky Aircraft went into receivership.[4]

Memorandum of understanding

Airlines In Service MOU
Thailand Kan Air 0 2
Indonesia Sky Aviation 0 10
Laos Phongsavanh Airlines 0 5
Turkey ACT Airlines 0 unknown
Switzerland Hungary Farnair 0 unknown
Russia Aviamost 0 40
Total 0 57

[5][6]

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

  1. ↑ "Aviation Week & Space Technology | Buy Single Issues | Zinio Digital Magazines and Books". zinio.com. Retrieved 2014-02-13.
  2. ↑ "Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's | IHS". janes.com. Retrieved 2014-02-13.
  3. ↑ Air & Cosmos n°2196 p.32-33 – November 27, 2009
  4. ↑ "Geci Aviation Sky Aircraft SAS en redressement judiciaire Le Figaro October 4, 2012
  5. ↑ "GECI notches up Skylander orders". Flight Global. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
  6. ↑ "GECI plans VIP Skylander". Flight Global. Retrieved 26 September 2011.

External links

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