It was wonderful to lead such a talented team in adding yet another customer focused addition, the M700, to the PA-46 Malibu legacy. Fresh and passionate teams, focused on a single product, are so effective and such a delight. In particular, Mike Edwards was key to making it real.
First we developed an all new modern wing with exceptional payload-range, roughly three decades after the original wing, and then incorporated a growth engine with advanced Garmin avionics to provide enviable performance and operational margins.
This is an airplane that makes long distance owner flown travel effortless and pleasurable; while providing tangible value for revenue operations.
We stand on the shoulders of our forefathers and have created yet another value leader.
Another small dedicated team made the PA-46 a reality. It all started with the POC aircraft pictured below. Bill Moreau is flying as the program test pilot and went on to lead product development when I started. The stories that man could tell. I like to assume Rich Gritter gets photo credits from the chase aircraft. Rich went on to help develop the Questair Venture, or “mini-Malibu,” and then the HondaJet.
Many people have made the PA-46 line what it is today. Then some of those same people recognized opportunities to develop other innovative flight vehicles. That led me, and others, to Electra.aero. Some of my colleagues are also now contributing to Archer, Honda Aircraft Company, Joby Aviation, and Natilus. We all left the PA-46 better than we found it, learned a great deal along the way, and then continued innovating.
New product development really is a joy.
I know our team is looking forward to reconnecting with you at Farnborough, Natilus!