PICTURES: Start-up Lisa plans bigger version of Akoya seaplane



French start-up manufacturer Lisa Airplanes is planning to launch a six-seat turbine-powered version of its Akoya ultralight seaplane within the next five years boosted by demand from its growing international customer base for a larger stablemate.

"The Akoya is proving very popular and our customers are calling for a bigger version of the aircraft that will enable them to transport their families, friends or colleagues," says Vanessa Troillars, manager of privately owned Lisa Airplanes.  

"We had originally planned to develop a very light jet, but we quickly realised that building an experimental aircraft first was the quickest and cheapest way to enter the [business aviation] market.

"Once we have proven the concept with the Akoya we will then move on to the larger brother," she adds. This will be a traditional certificated aircraft.  

The Akoya is scheduled to enter service next year and Troillard sa

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