GIPPSAERO

GippsAero, previously known as Gippsland Aeronautics, is an aircraft manufacturer based in Morwell, Victoria, Australia. The company specializes in producing single-engined utility aircraft, including the GA8 Airvan, which is a multi-role aircraft, and the GA200 Fatman, which is an agricultural aircraft. In late 2020, GippsAero’s brand owner, Mahindra Aerospace, announced plans to shut down the company due to poor sales, unless a buyer could be found. As of 2021, GippsAero Pty Ltd. has been transformed into a Spares and Support Organization. The company was founded in 1977 by Peter Furlong as an aircraft maintenance and modification business, before incorporating as Gippsland Aeronautics Pty Ltd in 1984 with George Morgan. The GA200 agricultural aircraft was developed between 1985 and 1991 to improve lifting and handling capabilities, and the GA8 Airvan was designed in 1993 to fill a market niche. The GA8 Airvan was certified by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority in 2000 and exported from 2001. The US Civil Air Patrol appointed Gippsland Aeronautics to supply Airvans in 2002, and the aircraft gained type certification in Canada in 2003.