Continental to partner with ASI for F406

Continental Motors, Inc., a subsidiary of AVIC International Holding Company of Beijing, China, announced today that in partnership with ASI Innovation of Reims, France that they have acquired from insolvency the Type Certificate, inventory and manufacturing rights for the F406 twin engine turboprop formerly produced by Reims Aviation of Reims, France.

The F406 is a twin engine, unpressurized, 14 passenger turboprop aircraft first introduced by Reims Aviation Industries in 1983. The aircraft can fill multiple roles, including passenger, cargo and mixed use applications. The acquisition offers the partners a rugged, respected aircraft that can be configured to fill many missions and roles throughout the world. In addition, the airframe can be powered by either the Pratt and Whitney PT-6 or a Continental Motors' piston engine using any of the company's geared, FADEC and diesel engine technology.

"We are pleased by the acquisition of this great airframe" said Rhett Ross, President of Continental Motors, Inc. "We will be excited to see it return to production in both a turbine and piston engine configuration to meet global demand for a cost effective twin engine utility aircraft," he went on to say.

Continental Motors has partnered with ASI Innovation (ASI), a respected provider of STC and custom design and installation services for a variety of aircraft with offices in Reims and Toulouse, France. The partnership opens exciting opportunities for the companies to work together. The companies will jointly oversee the continued airworthiness of the existing product, fleet and customers. As the companies work to bring the product back to production, ASI will have responsibility and control of all business related to government application of the F406 product, while Continental Motors will have responsibility for all commercial applications and restoring the F406 to production.

Additionally, ASI will become a distributor for CMI products in Europe. As the relationship matures, ASI will be a preferred source for developing STCs and product customization requested by customers for the turboprop and piston versions of the future F406.