Mahindra's GippsAero Airvan set to create history

On May 8, 2010, the GA8-TC Airvan from GippsAero, one of Australia’s most reputed aircraft producers which was recently acquired by India’s $6.3 billion Mahindra Group, began its attempt to create history by becoming the first Australian designed and manufactured aircraft to circumnavigate the globe.
Mahindra, GippsAero’s new parent company, is supporting pilots Ken Evers and Tim Pryse in their bid to raise $ 1,000,000 for malaria awareness. Ken and Tim will undertake a historic round the world flight towards this goal and have chosen Bendigo, Australia as their starting point. This is also part of Mahindra’s efforts to help promote stronger ties between both countries.
The aircraft took off from Bendigo Aerodrome in Bendigo, Victoria Australia, after an official take-off ceremony, attended by government representatives from the State of Victoria. The citizens of Bendigo were also present on this historic occasion. Ken and Tim are currently headed to Norfolk Island - the first leg of their Pacific crossing.
Mr. Arvind Mehra said that the Mahindra Group was delighted to extend its support on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of Australian aviation. The Group is especially proud that Ken and Tim have chosen to fly the GippsAero Airvan on its maiden flight across the globe, which speaks highly of the strength and endurance of the aircraft. He went on to say that the flight would provide the company with valuable feedback which could be used to improve the product’s competitiveness further. He concluded by stating that both Mahindra and GippsAero commended Ken and Tim on this initiative and said he looked forward to welcoming the GA8-TC Airvan to Bangalore, India in June, where Gippsland’s parent, Mahindra Aerospace is based. The flight will be formally commemorated there as a symbolic gesture to foster Indo-Australian friendship.
10/05/10 India Infoline

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Categories: Foreign May 2010, Indian Aviation- In General May 2010