Belgian Manufacturer Expands International Dealer Network, Service Capability, Lineup

Sonaca too has taken advantage of Aero Friedrichshafen 2022, announcing the addition of 2 more trim levels of the marque's 200 Trainer aircraft. 

The first, the Sonaca 200 NG, takes the regular 2-seater trainer (and leisure, too, as they are careful to remind us) and equips it for VFR night flight. Taking the traditional 6 pack of instruments from the day aircraft, with electronic engine monitoring and a radio stack. Sonaca describes the layout as "classic", adding that the more standard T-shaped instrument layout is a demand of many flight schools. The attitude indicator is a thankfully low-maintenance GI 275, good news for fleet operators weary of vacuum pump headaches. The 200 Trainer Pro replaces the traditional layout in favor of a G500 TXI with a secondary GTN 650Xi. In contrast to the NG, the Pro goes as modern and cutting edge as possible, boasting an LCD screen on any instrument that can offer one for those looking for an all-glass experience. 

Sonaca has announced the expansion of its international presence, enlarging its footprint with a selection of distributors added over recent months. Sonaca will maintain direct sales in its home European market, but will defer to local relationships for Scandinavia, Spain, Portugal, France, Poland, and the United Kingdom. Their sales posture has been successful so far, as the Sonaca 200 was added to the fleet of certified aircraft available for Swiss Air Force cadet training. Sonaca notes that since its introduction the 200 has racked up more than 25,000 flight hours, over a seemingly paltry 50 planes delivered. Wherever they are, Sonaca 200 operators have come to love their aircraft, and the manufacturer is still picking up speed in its effort to carve out a sizable market share for itself. 

The last development announced at Aero Friederichshafen is the release of Sonaca's after-sales service platform, a digital suite accessible to customers and providers called MySonaca. Combining purchases, tools, consumables, parts, bulletins and more, Sonaca has made hundreds of 3D drawings of assemblies, parts, and subassemblies for the 200, allowing comprehensive understanding and repair capability. 

FMI: www.sonaca-aircraft.com