Finally Talking (And Still Hyping), Icon Production Plans Take A Big Hit

The following is the text of a release from Icon Aircraft (bluster and all)... ANN Analysis and industry reaction will follow shortly...

"ICON Aircraft announced major changes to this year’s A5 delivery plan. These changes are part of a strategy to improve the A5 production processes and manufacturing supply chain while simultaneously supporting flight training for ICON customers. ICON announced the following:

• A significant reduction in 2016 aircraft production from 175 to 20 (1-year delay).
• Shifting early production aircraft to ICON Flight Centers in CA, TX, and FL.
• A reduction in cost structure and workforce while improving manufacturing.
• Major revisions to ICON’s Aircraft Purchase Agreement in response to customer feedback.
• A significant infusion of new capital to support the manufacturing improvements.

'The unfortunate fact of the matter is that ICON had an overly aggressive production schedule for 2016,' said ICON CEO Kirk Hawkins. 'We are working hard to find the balance between high-rate production and our exacting standards for quality, performance, and affordability. While the A5 is extremely well-engineered and an amazing aircraft to fly, frankly we need to improve its manufacturability. We’ll have to slow down and walk before we run.'

'We opened the production line at our new factory in January with ambitious plans to produce 175 aircraft this year,' said ICON VP of Manufacturing Thomas Wieners. 'After completing 7 aircraft, with 11 more in production and having received a total of 30 composite airframe sets, we’ve learned that our production process and parts of our supply chain are not yet ready for high-rate production.'

ICON will shift resources to the primary business challenges. This will result in temporary workforce reductions, primarily of the aircraft assembly team. ICON will support affected employees by offering resources, assistance with finding new jobs, and providing notifications when the hiring process resumes as production accelerates.

ICON’s investor base remains aligned with the company’s long-term vision and has committed a substantial infusion of new capital to support the production changes. ICON will return to a high-rate production schedule once supplier and internal capabilities are up to speed, which is expected in 2017.

Most customers can expect a delay of approximately one year from their previous estimated delivery dates. 2016 deliveries will be split between limited customer deliveries and ICON Flight Centers (IFCs), the first of which will be at ICON’s existing facility in Northern California. The company plans to open additional IFCs in Florida and Texas over the next year to expand customer training and support infrastructure. IFCs will also support training for ICON-Authorized Flight Instructors to expand the regional training network for customers.

'If there is any silver lining to this news,” Hawkins added, “it’s that we are taking this opportunity to accelerate the introduction of ICON Flight Centers. This will give ICON a regional presence that allows deposit holders to get earlier access to an A5 for demonstration flights and training without having to come out to California.'

ICON will continue to take orders for the A5 and will resume sending Production Notices later this year. ICON has also revised its Aircraft Purchase Agreement to include significant changes in response to customer feedback. The new Purchase Agreement will be released in the coming weeks.

'I realize this news will be as big a disappointment for many of our customers as it is for us,' said Hawkins. 'I wish there were a better answer. For those who continue to be patient with us, not only will you get special access to fly the A5 at ICON Flight Centers, you’ll own one of the world’s most amazing aircraft.”'

FMI: www.iconaircraft.com