23 May 2022
Sonaca Aircraft is stopping production of its S200 two-seat training aircraft after delivering 57 aircraft.
The Belgian manufacturer was created in 2016 as a subsidiary of aerospace engineering company Sonaca to develop, certify and market a training aircraft, based on a Sling kitplane.
Sonaxa Aircraft says it will “refocus on services and after-sales”.
It’s a decision by the Board of Directors of Sonaca made today to stop financing the loss-making activities of its subsidiary Sonaca Aircraft. However, financing has been granted to fulfill all its obligations and to facilitate the continuity of essential activities for customers, i.e. services and after sales.
Yves Delatte, CEO of Sonaca, said, “The cessation of Sonaca Aircraft’s production activities is a necessary decision. The Covid-19 pandemic, which will globally impact the aviation sector until 2025, has strongly affected general aviation, especially activities related to pilot training and education.”
This has resulted in an order level well below the break-even point for Sonaca Aircraft, said a statement. During the last months, Sonaca has approached many strategic partners to help its subsidiary enter new market segments, unfortunately without reaching an agreement.
“We have to focus all our strenghts on our expertise in aerostructure, where Sonaca aims to become world leader by 2025,” continued Mr Delatte. “The know-how of each Sonaca Aircraft employee will be a real asset to reach this goal.”
