Aerostar new aircraft cleared for takeoff to US

Aerostar Bacau got an order for 15 ultralight Aerostar 01 planes from the United States of America. This is a new type of aircraft designed, built and patented in 2002. Three of the planes ordered have already been delivered, Grigore Filip, company manager said.
“We have another batch of 15 ultralight planes under construction for the domestic market, which come with three engine options,” Grigore Filip specified.
Aerostar 01 is a two-seat 480-kg plane and costs 30,000 dollars to 40,000 dollars, depending on the options. It was designed in line with the Canadian TP-10141 E standard and was authorised by the Romanian Aeroclub. The aircraft is 6.55 metres long and has an over 9 metre wingspan. It may fly as high as 3,000 metres at 170 km/h.
Aerostar also organises flight courses for the buyers on the domestic market and is planning to obtain licences from the Bacau Sports Club in this regard.
The company made more than 53 billion ROL in net profit in 2001, while turnover reached 576 billion ROL. Last year’s spending and revenue budget had scheduled 696 billion ROL in turnover and 48 billion ROL in net profit.
Aerostar Bacau is held by IAROM SA Company, the former Romanian Aeronautical Industry central command, which controls a 64 percent stake. Another significant shareholder is SIF Moldova, which owns 11 percent in the capital. The Romanian State retained its nominative control share that grants it the right to oppose any decision impacting on the defence productive capacity.
Aerostar shares are listed on the second tier of the Bucharest Stock Exchange. Mediafax