Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

GippsAero, the Australia-based aircraft manufacturer owned by India’s Mahindra Aerospace, introduced a new executive interior option for its seven-seat GA8 Airvan today at the Sun ’n’ Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Fla. One of the two Airvans it is displaying this week at the show has the executive cabin option.


The new interior—designed by Columbia, S.C.-based maintenance and completions firm Eagle Aviation—adds 45 to 60 pounds compared with the standard utility outfitting, due to the addition of carpeting, headliner and leather seat coverings. Price for the option has yet to be announced, according to Earle Boyter, GippsAero/Mahindra Aerospace’s business development manager for the Americas.


“[The interior] was designed to bring a higher level of personal style and comfort without losing sight of the aircraft’s ruggedness,” noted Eagle Aviation design/customer service director Karen Nelson. “We chose perforated Ultraleather, which not only gives the seats and sidewalls a great look and feel, but is also highly durable and easy to clean. This allows owners to continue carrying everything from skis, bikes and dogs in the cabin, ensuring that the executive interior can withstand the demands of utility operation without requiring a great deal of maintenance.”


In other news at GippsAero, the company recently appointed Shanti Lakhan as its new marketing manager. In her new role, she will lead the marketing team in development and implementation of marketing strategies in support of global sale. Lakhan most recently was marketing manager for Duluth, Minn.-based Cirrus Aircraft.

GippsAero Adds Executive Interior Option for GA8 Airvan

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