Hoping to catch the attention of a breed of pilot being called 'weekend aviators', ICON Aircraft recently disclosed a new amphibious sport plane. The plane was launched at a private unveiling party where this video was shot.
“Loaded with features like folding wings (so you can keep it in your garage) and seat belt-like parachutes (so you can ease the whole thing down to the ground), ICON Aircraft's new light sport airplane (LSA), dubbed the A5, might just be the ultimate joyride,†says Popular Mechanics.
“The product has to have sex appeal and be aesthetically inspirational. It not only has to perform well, it has to look like it performs well,†ICON founder Kirk Hawkins notes. The images of the cockpit reveal inspiration has been borrowed from automotive design, looking like the interior of a sports-car.
The estimated price of the A5 is $139,000, reserved on first come, first served basis with a $5,000, and delivery expected in 2010.
Folding Personal Aircrafts
The ICON A5 Amphibious Sport Plane
Trend Themes
1. Folding Aircraft - The trend of developing personal aircrafts with folding features presents an opportunity for companies to offer more convenient and cost-effective aviation options.
2. Light Sport Aviation - The growing trend of Light Sport Aviation presents an opportunity for businesses to invest in aircraft models that cater to this growing market of weekend aviators.
3. Automotive Inspired Aircraft Design - The trend of borrowing inspiration from automotive design for aircraft interiors creates an opportunity for companies to offer visually appealing and unique aviation experiences that differentiate them from competitors.
Industry Implications
1. Aviation Industry - The folding personal aircrafts trend presents disruptive innovation opportunities in terms of product design and features for aviation companies to stay competitive and meet changing consumer needs.
2. Luxury Transportation Industry - Developing innovative personal aircrafts with automotive inspired designs presents an opportunity for luxury transportation companies to expand their offerings and attract higher-end consumers.
3. Recreational Industry - The trend of light sport aviation presents an opportunity for businesses in the recreational industry to offer aviation experiences that cater to the interests of weekend aviators.