Australian Charter and Flight Training Provider Doubles P2012 STOL Fleet

Australia – Queensland aviation operator and flight training provider Horizon Airways has ordered a second Tecnam P2012 STOL, with delivery planned by the end of 2026 following the introduction of Australia's first example of the type earlier this year.

• Two P2012 STOL aircraft are expected to be operating from Horizon's Horn Island base by the end of 2026. The company's first aircraft entered service in the Torres Strait in May and has since operated to destinations including Saibai, Darnley, Yorke and Hicks islands.
• Horizon's second P2012 STOL is scheduled to join the fleet before year-end. Tecnam said the aircraft will be used to increase capacity across Torres Strait and Cape communities, including operations to Mabuiag, Darnley and Murray islands.
• The P2012 STOL accommodates up to nine passengers and is powered by two 375 hp Continental GTSIO-520-S engines. Tecnam publishes a maximum take-off weight of 3,680 kg, maximum cruise speed of 185 knots, take-off distance of 425 metres at MTOW and landing distance of 360 metres at maximum landing weight.
• Horizon currently bases its first nine-seat P2012 STOL at Horn Island for passenger and cargo charter operations across the Torres Strait. The operator also has three Cessna 206 aircraft based at Horn Island and uses Piper PA-31 Navajos from Cairns and Cloncurry/Mount Isa for wider regional charter activity.
• The company's current published fleet comprises 12 aircraft: three fixed-gear Cessna 172s, one Cessna 172RG, one Cessna 152, one Piper PA-34 Seneca, two Piper PA-31 Navajos, three Cessna 206s and one P2012 STOL. Delivery of the newly ordered aircraft would increase the published fleet to 13 if no other fleet changes occur beforehand.
• Eight of Horizon's currently listed aircraft are identified for training or combined training and charter use: three Cessna 172s, one Cessna 172RG, one Cessna 152, one Piper PA-34 Seneca and two PA-31 Navajos. The P2012 STOL and three Cessna 206s are currently identified as charter aircraft.
• Horizon provides training from recreational through Commercial Pilot Licence level and offers single- and multi-engine class ratings, instrument training, instructor ratings and other endorsements. It also operates a Neptune 10 Category B synthetic trainer approved for VFR and IFR training applications.
• The P2012 fleet transition has already included manufacturer-based pilot preparation. Horizon reported ahead of its first delivery that members of its senior pilot team travelled to Tecnam's Capua facility in Italy for aircraft training before ferrying the aircraft to Australia.
• Tecnam states that the second Horizon order will bring the number of P2012-series aircraft operating in Australia to five.
• Australia's P2012 support infrastructure has also expanded. AFM previously reported that Tecnam appointed Avionics 2000 at Essendon Fields, Melbourne, as an authorised P2012 service centre in October 2025, working alongside Australian dealer Hallmarc Aviation.
• AFM previously reported that the P2012 STOL received EASA type certification in March 2024, clearing the 2+9-seat, twin-piston aircraft for commercial short-field operations.

Statements

• “The anticipation surrounding our initial P2012 STOL order has been incredible, and adding a second aircraft to our future fleet was a natural step,” said Ed Morrison, CEO of Horizon Airways. “Having a second Tecnam P2012 STOL joining us by the end of 2026 ensures we can meet growing demand, double our modern operational capabilities, and continue providing the highest level of safety and reliability to the communities that rely on these essential services every day.”
• “Seeing Horizon Airways expand their P2012 STOL fleet so quickly is a testament to how perfectly this aircraft fits the demanding Torres Strait environment,” said Francesco Sferra, Tecnam P2012 Sales and Special Missions Manager.

Source: Tecnam