TECNAM P2012 lands in Hawaii after 15-hour ferry flight over the ocean

TECNAM delivered first batch of two P2012 Traveller aircraft to Pacific Air Charter in Hawaii. Following the delivery of the first aircraft in August 2023, this second aircraft took off from Santa Maria (SMX) California and arrived in Honolulu (HNL) after a 14h 57m flight over the sea. With a third P2012 aircraft currently being assembled at Tecnam’s facility in Capua, Italy, and 24 additional Travellers on option, Pacific Air Charters Inc.’s fleet is growing rapidly to serve the Pacific market.

Known for offering its customers the ultimate in luxury and safety, Pacific Air Charters, Inc. is the premium provider of air charter services in the Hawaiian Islands.
Multi-engine operations over water provide a significant safety advantage for the company’s market area. The P2012 Traveller will also offer very competitive operating costs due to its FADEC piston Lycoming engines. Passenger comfort was a key factor in the operator’s decision: All single seats with generous pitch, dedicated window and in-seat amenities, USB port, cup holder, seat pocket, armrest; plus overhead stowage and dual air conditioning (which can also be operated on the ground via a DC power connection to “pre-cool” the aircraft prior to boarding) offer limousine level comfort and convenience.

Pat McNamee, Pacific Air Charters, Inc. Chief Operating Officer and 135 Director of Operations, commented: “The P2012 Traveller confirmed that this is the perfect platform for this area. We are focused on premium services, but the aircraft has many capabilities and expands our options.”

Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 – Special Mission Platforms Sales & Business Development Manager, said: “After one of the world’s most demanding ferry flights between the US West Coast and Hawai’i, our P2012 Traveller immediately demonstrated its versatility, being able to be configured for any mission required to serve a community. And with this last 15-hour ferry flight, we have set a new record for Tecnam!” 

The first P2012 Traveller delivered to Hawaii demonstrated its versatility when a series of wildfires broke out in the US state of Hawaii in early August 2023, mainly on the island of Maui. The aircraft, operated by Pacific Air Charter Inc, had only been in Hawaii for 10 days when it was used to transport and deliver thousands of pounds of desperately needed food, medicine and other supplies to Maui and, on return flights, to evacuate those who needed medical attention in Honolulu.