Mahindra’s GippsAero forays into growing Sri Lanka market

Appoints Ideal Favourite Aviation as local distributor

GippsAero, the Australian based manufacturer of the GA8Airvan utility aircraft, and a subsidiary of India’s Mahindra Aerospace, has announced the appointment of a marketing, sales and service representative for Sri Lanka.

Terry Miles, CEO of GippsAero said, “We are pleased to partner with the Ideal Group and Favourite Group’s Aviation division for our entry in the Sri Lanka market.”

The Ideal Group has a close working relationship with the Mahindra Group in various segments, and Favourite Groups Aviation division already operates a GA8Airvan in Sri Lanka. The two companies have established a new company to act as the representative for the Indian giants Australian manufactured aircraft brand.

The GA8Airvan, a single engine aircraft that can seat six or seven passengers, started production from 2000 onwards and has already been approved by aviation regulatory authorities of Sri Lanka.

It is flying in 34 countries and is well known for its low operating costs and versatility, and has been adopted by a growing number of commercial operators in tourism, air taxi, skydive, and law enforcement roles and missions. 2014 will see the launch of single and twin engine turboprop aircraft, the GA10 and GA18. The company has manufactured in excess of 200 aircraft that includes the GA200 which is used in agriculture.

Arvind Mehra, CEO of Mahindra Aerospace, added: “With customised interiors for a number of mission roles, the GA8 is well positioned for cost conscious customers who value the business benefits of flying and owning their own plane but without the high entry cost burden normally associated with ownership.”

“We are delighted to join hands with GippsAero and the Mahindra Group which is already a well-established name in Sri Lanka. I am sure this alliance will help to contribute in the development of general aviation in Sri Lanka which is known for its pristine beaches and tourist destinations,” said Suren Mirchandani, Director of the Favourite Group which has business interests in aviation, property development and investments in hospitality and hotels. The Favourite Group entered the aviation sector in 2004 with the launch of Deccan Aviation Lanka – a charter helicopter and aircraft operator.

Ideal Group Chairman NalinWelgama said: “The Ideal Group is proud to venture into the domestic aviation sector in Sri Lanka with our partner, the Mahindra Group, since this will further solidify our relationship with them. It is our vision to offer the Sri Lankan consumer the best of the world and India by harnessing our local talents and international brands. By creating this joint venture with the Favourite Group, we are certain that we will bring about a game changer in domestic aviation with GippsAero products.”

As regards the Mahindra Group, this is a US$ 15.4 billion multinational group based in Mumbai, India. Mahindra employs more than 144,000 people in over 100 countries and focuses on enabling people to rise.

Mahindra operates in the key industries that drive economic growth, enjoying a leadership position in tractors, utility vehicles, information technology and vacation ownership. Mahindra has a presence in the automotive industry, agribusiness, aerospace, components, consulting services, defence, energy, financial services, industrial equipment, logistics, real estate, retail, steel and two wheelers.