GippsAero, the Gippsland-based aircraft manufacturer is rapidly moving forward in 2011 with many exciting new developments.

GippsAero has commenced work to construct a 1200 square meter assembly hall which will be utilized for construction of the upcoming GA10; a 'stretched' version of the successful GA8 Airvan utility aircraft.

The construction of the new facility is part of efforts to expand the company's product line to include two new aircraft. The GA10; a 10 seat aircraft that will bring an affordable entry level, turbo prop powered, utility aircraft to the world market place. Also the GA18; a 18 seat twin turbo prop commuter and multi role aircraft. The family of aircraft will enable GippsAero to offer a range of aircraft solutions to the market place.

The new assembly hall is expected to be completed by the end of September 2011 and will be equipped to commence production of the GA10 in 2013.

GippsAero Chief Executive Officer, Dr Terry Miles explained, "With our broadening product range, the company will be well placed to meet the needs of world general aviation market for multi-role working aircraft. The direct benefit to Latrobe and Gippsland will be more jobs, both within the company and for our suppliers and contactors, with the economic benefit that increased employment brings to a region."

The investment of GippsAero in 2010 by parent company Mahindra Aerospace has created the opportunity for GippsAero to develop and manufacture a larger family of aircraft. The growth of the company has been rapid since Mahindra's acquisition last year. GippsAero have more than doubled their workforce in the space of twelve months and continues to employ local skills to progress the company forward.

GippsAero, formerly know as Gippsland Aeronautics, is the aircraft manufacturing division of Mahindra Aerospace and was acquired by the Mahindra Group last year. GippsAero has IP/Type Certificate approvals for four aircraft types and has manufactured in excess of 200 aircraft, which fly in 34 countries around the world, including USA, Australia, Europe, Africa and Asia.