VERO BEACH, Fla., March 22, 2016 – Piper Aircraft announced the repositioning of the M-Class product line in anticipation of the certification of the M600, which is expected to take place in Q3 of this year. As part of the product repositioning, Piper Aircraft has reduced the price of the M500 from $2.264M to $1.99M. Additionally the newly upgraded executive interior will be a standard feature on each M500 and includes a new color palette – Inverness. The recently announced Hartzell 5-blade composite prop will also be an option for all factory produced M500 aircraft. The M500 turbine business aircraft with the latest in Garmin avionics and advanced safety features (enhanced autopilot flight control system with stability protection) is now better positioned to offer the market a true entry level turbo prop.
In addition to the M500 repositioning, Piper announced that the Matrix price point has been adjusted from $939,950 to $899,000. The price reduction was designed to help customers “step-in” to the Piper M-class family at a more competitive price point.
The M350 for 2016 will offer the re-designed executive interior as an option in two color palettes: Inverness and Wellington. Additionally, as announced last year, the aircraft features the new Garmin G1000 avionics suite that includes high resolution dual 10-inch PFDs and a high resolution 12-inch MFD as well as the latest Garmin Software upgrade along with a GFC700 autopilot with enhanced Autopilot Flight Control System (AFCS). The M350 is the only aircraft in its class with AFCS which offers industry leading safety features like, under speed protection, coupled go-around, level mode, emergency descent mode, and electronic stability protection (ESP).
“Our goal was to create price spacing between the products that would support the optimal step-up structure as well as a seamless transition. Furthermore, the team spent a great deal of time developing equipment lists, options, and packaging to further differentiate each product within the M-class family,” said Piper President and CEO Simon Caldecott. “As part of our on-going product improvement initiatives, we saw an opportunity to provide our customers the best value proposition for each product while differentiating each aircraft in the lineup. This approach gives the customer a reason to step-up from one M-class product to another as their needs and experience dictates.”
About Piper M-Class Aircraft
M-Class aircraft offer Piper performance and safety built upon a proven airframe that has been an industry standard for years. Four refined derivatives comprise the full line: the M600, M500, M350 and the Matrix. Each product fits its own niche and price point, and each aircraft provides a seamless step-up to the next level. Created to maximize the business and the private travel experience, the M-Class line balances performance, safety, efficiency and simplicity.
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft. The single-engine M-Class series – the M600, M500, M350 and Matrix – as well as the Archer LX, offers businesses and individuals elegant performance and value. The Twin Class Seneca V and Seminole balance proven performance, efficiency and simplicity in twin-engine aircraft. The Trainer Class Warrior, Archer TX, Archer DX, Arrow, Seminole and Seneca V aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. All Piper airplanes feature advanced Garmin avionics in the cockpit. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
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Piper Aircraft Inc.
For further information, contact:
Jackie Carlon
Phone: (772) 299-2900
Fax: (772) 978-6585
Jackie.Carlon@piper.com
piper.com
