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Blackshape debuts at Abu Dhabi Air Expo, unveiling innovative Gabriél BK160-200

Abu Dhabi, November 15, 2024

Blackshape, an Italian aircraft design and manufacturing company (part of Angel Holding), will be a key participant at the Air Expo Abu Dhabi, a significant international event for the aviation industry, running from November 19-21, 2024. For the first time in the UAE, Blackshape will showcase the all-composite Gabriél BK160-200 at stand 440, an advanced and versatile aircraft that exemplifies Italian excellence and technological innovation.

Founded in Monopoli (Bari, Italy), Blackshape is celebrated for its quality “Made in Italy” design and cutting-edge technology, earning it recognition among pilots and aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
With over 100 aircraft produced, Blackshape excels in utilizing composite materials to craft sleek, high-performance aircraft that cater to civil, military, and recreational markets.

The Gabriél BK160-200 is an all-composite, piston-engine, two-seat tandem aircraft with retractable landing gear, fully certified by both EASA and FAA. Its versatility makes it ideal for basic flight training for both civilian and military pilots, as well as for private and recreational use. Available in AVGAS and MOGAS versions, the Gabriél provides an advanced, flexible solution that meets both performance and sustainability standards.

As part of its participation in the Air Expo, a Gabriél BK160-200 will make a journey of over 4,000 kilometers from Italy to the United Arab Emirates, piloted by the company’s chief pilot, symbolizing Blackshape’s ambition and pioneering spirit. This impressive flight also serves as a real-world demonstration of the aircraft’s reliability and long-distance performance.

In addition to the Gabriél, Blackshape manufactures the Prime, a two-seat tandem ultralight aircraft, also made of composite materials. Certified by aviation authorities in several countries, the Prime is admired by pilots and aviation enthusiasts for its agility and high performance.

“We are thrilled to showcase the Gabriél BK160-200 for the first time at this event and to see our engineering and manufacturing excellence appreciated in a region that has always valued avantgarde technology and innovation,” said Blackshape CEO Niccolò Chierroni. “This participation represents a strategic step to strengthen our presence in international markets and to further position Blackshape’s Gabriel, along with future developments, as a reference platform for primary/basic aeronautical training.”

MEDIA COVERAGE

Blackshape chooses BravoFox as dealer for USA

Blackshape is delighted to appoint Indianapolis-based BravoFox as their distributor for the US market. Effective from October 2024, BravoFox will be providing sales and maintenance support throughout the USA.  

“There is no other country with a richer aviation heritage than the United States and a premium brand like Blackshape will definitely emerge also in this market thanks to an ideal partner such as BravoFox” says Niccolò Chierroni, CEO at Blackshape. “With the arrival of their new Blackshape Prime demonstrator, we anticipate a significant boost in our sales performance across the USA and we confirm the international development of our business together with the priority of locating the company in markets that reward technology and manufacturing skills.”

BravoFox is renowned for its commitment to excellence and extensive experience in the aviation industry, making them an ideal partner for Blackshape. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and high-quality service aligns perfectly with Blackshape’s values.

“We are proud to be bringing the Prime to the US market as we believe it is a one-of-a kind aircraft, delivering exceptional performance with an unmatched aesthetic at a fair price point. It exemplifies the characteristics of iconic Italian design balancing high performance with luxury and style. We are proud to be partnering with Blackshape, and we want to see it flying across every state and serving future customers at our Indiana-based maintenance facility,” says Emanuele Bergamini, President at BravoFox.

BravoFox will represent Blackshape in its corporate office at Sheridan Airport, 27045 Jerkwater Road, Sheridan, Indiana 46069, United States, serving as a starting point for a comprehensive sales network in the USA. For more information visit https://bravo-fox.com/

Contact BravoFox LLC:
Emanuele Bergamini
President BravoFox LLC
Phone: +1(317) 795-6172
E-Mail: info@bravo-fox.com

Contacts Blackshape:
Roberto Guastamacchia
Sales & Marketing Director
Phone: +39 342 878 51 65
E-Mail: Roberto.guastamacchia@blackshapeaircraft.com

Nicola Dambra
Head Communications, External Relations & Sustainability
E-Mail: Nicola.dambra@angelcompany.com

Ilaria Trapuzzano
Press Officer
Phone: +39 340 316 63 20
E-Mail: Ilaria.Trapuzzano@angelcompany.com

EAA AirVenture 2024: The First Resounding Success of a Long Series for Blackshape in the U.S.

Blackshape, renowned for its blend of Italian aesthetics and cutting-edge technology, captivated aviation enthusiasts from around the globe with the debut of the Prime Veloce at EAA AirVenture 2024.

EAA AirVenture, the largest General Aviation show in the world, opened its doors again from July 22 – 28, 2024, in Oshkosh. Blackshape participated with its own booth, thanks to the local network created over the past few months. Blackshape sparked a lot of interest among visitors by showcasing the stunning Prime Veloce. The event was marked by several formal expressions of interest, immediately demonstrating a strong market reception.

Blackshape recently achieved FAA certification for the Gabriél BK160-200 and is also introducing this aircraft to the local market. The expansion of the U.S. business in both the Experimental and Certified categories is now a priority for the company.

With aircraft already available in the U.S. for flying and testing, Blackshape invites interested parties to experience the exceptional capabilities of the Prime Veloce and Gabriél firsthand.

Stay in touch with us; many exciting announcements will be revealed soon!

Contact
Roberto Guastamacchia
Sales & Marketing Director
Phone: +39 342 878 51 65
E-Mail: sales@blackshapeaircraft.com

Blackshape’s Gabriél BK160-200 Secures FAA Certification

Blackshape, known for its fusion of Italian aesthetics and cutting-edge technology, today proudly announces the Gabriél BK160-200’s esteemed FAA certification. This achievement emphasizes Blackshape’s steadfast commitment to safety and innovative advancement. Moreover, it paves the path for the commencement of commercial deliveries, with the first batch of Gabriél BK160-200 aircraft set to be delivered to customers by the end of Q4 2024.

“We are proud to finally announce the achievement of this milestone, which certifies the value of the product and the entire company, now formally allowing Blackshape to enter the American aeronautical market both in the Certified category with the Gabriel and in the Experimental category with the same Gabriel as well as the Prime,” says Niccolò Chierroni, CEO of Blackshape. “Our development roadmap in the US is a priority, and we already have partners in the territory that enable us to be present at upcoming Airshows and to operate with a first-class commercial and maintenance network. The best is yet to come…”

For more details on the Gabriél BK160-200 kindly reach out to:

Nicola Dambra
Head Communications, External Relations & Sustainability
E-Mail: Nicola.dambra@angelcompany.com

Blackshape Gabriél takes to the skies again

Blackshape is pleased to announce that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has lifted the grounding order on the Gabriél aircraft. This decision marks a pivotal moment for Blackshape, reaffirming the safety, integrity, and reliability of the Gabriél.

The lifting of the grounding order follows an exhaustive and thorough investigation into the incident involving a Gabriél aircraft in Malaysia in February 2024. EASA’s findings confirm that the accident was not due to any design or manufacturing defect in the Gabriél aircraft.

Blackshape worked closely with EASA, providing all necessary support and data throughout the investigation to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events. The lifting of the grounding order by EASA underscores the inherent safety and robustness of the Gabriél aircraft when operated within the prescribed guidelines.

The aircraft in question was grounded by Blackshape prior to the incident for maintenance requirements. The grounding order had been communicated to the customer and to the European Aviation Safety Agency, EASA. Niccolò Chierroni, CEO of Blackshape, said: “Blackshape is always committed to advancing aviation safety and delivering the highest quality aircraft to our customers. We are certain that the Gabriél fleet will continue to set benchmarks for performance and reliability in the aviation industry.”

Contact
Nicola Dambra
Head Communications, External Relations & Sustainability
Phone: +39 342 878 51 65
E-Mail: Nicola.dambra@angelcompany.com

Opera Aerospace appointed as Blackshape dealer for Czech Republic and Slovakia

Blackshape is pleased to appoint Opera Aerospace as its official distributor and commercial partner for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, effective June 5, 2024. Opera Aerospace will provide comprehensive sales and maintenance support across these countries, ensuring top-notch service for Blackshape customers.

This partnership aligns with Blackshape’s strategic international business development initiative. Opera Aerospace, headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, brings a wealth of experience in aircraft sales and acquisitions. Their extensive local business network, combined with a reputation for exceptional customer service, makes them an ideal partner for Blackshape.

Opera Aerospace will serve as a new hub for Blackshape in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, leveraging their expertise to help clients maximize the value of their aviation assets.

For more information:

https://www.operaaerospace.com

Contact Opera Aerospace
Zdenek Jezek
Director Opera Aerospace s.r.o.
Phone: +420 608 362565
E-Mail: info@operaaerospace.com

Contacts Blackshape
Karin Kirchner
Marketing Manager
Phone: +39 335 7421427
E-Mail: karin.kirchner@blackshapeaircraft.com

Ilaria Trapuzzano
Press Officer
Phone: +39 340 3166320
E-Mail: ilaria.trapuzzano@angelcompany.com

OpenSky World announced as Blackshape dealer

Blackshape is pleased to appoint OpenSky World as its dealer and commercial channel for several North African and Middle Eastern Countries. Effective from May 23, 2024. OpenSky World will provide comprehensive and effective sales and maintenance support across these regions. 

This partnership is part of Blackshape’s strategic international business development initiative. OpenSky World, with its rich history and international experience in Airlines’ Representative, brokerage and aircraft sales and acquisitions, boasts a robust local and global business network. The Company is renowned for delivering exceptional customer service, helping clients maximize the value of their aviation assets.

OpenSky World, having its headquarters in Bologna, Italy, will represent Blackshape serving as a starting point for a comprehensive sales network in Africa and the Middle East.

ITALIAN VERSION

Blackshape sceglie OpenSky World come nuovo dealer

Blackshape è lieta di annunciare OpenSky World come suo nuovo rivenditore e distributore commerciale per diversi Paesi del Nord Africa e del Medio Oriente, fornendo un supporto completo in termini di vendita e manutenzione.

Questa partnership è parte del piano strategico di Blackshape per lo sviluppo del suo business internazionale. OpenSky World, con la sua ricca storia ed esperienza in rappresentanza di compagnie aeree, nell’intermediazione, nella vendita e acquisizione di aeromobili, vanta una solida rete commerciale locale e globale. L’azienda è rinomata per offrire un servizio clienti efficiente e puntuale, aiutando i clienti a massimizzare il valore dei loro asset nel settore dell’aviazione.

OpenSky World, con sede a Bologna, rappresenterà Blackshape, costituendo il punto di partenza per l’istituzione di una rete di vendita completa in Africa e nel Medio Oriente.

For more information / Per maggiori informazioni:

www.openskycargo.eu
www.openskyworld.it

Contacts / Contatti OpenSky World
Rossano De Luca
CEO OpenSky World Srl
Phone: +39 051 382485
E-Mail: rdl@openskyworld.it

Contacts / Contatti Blackshape
Karin Kirchner
Marketing Manager
Phone: +39 335 7421427
E-Mail: karin.kirchner@blackshapeaircraft.com

Ilaria Trapuzzano
Press Officer
Phone: +39 340 3166320
E-Mail: ilaria.trapuzzano@angelcompany.com

Blackshape Soars to New Heights at AERO 2024

From April 17th to 20th, the Blackshape Team spent extraordinary days at AERO Friedrichshafen in Germany. The 30th edition of AERO, the leading international trade show for General Aviation, will not only be remembered as an anniversary milestone, but also as an edition with a particularly large number of innovations and premieres. Among the highlights, the 31.500 visitors from more than 80 nations were captivated by the unveiling of the new Blackshape Prime Veloce, in a captivating blue livery inspired by “Gli Azzurri”. The Prime Veloce, which is about to receive DULV certification, sparked a lot of conversations with its sleek design and enhanced features. Also, the Blackshape Gabriél turned a lot of heads as it finished the FAA certification process and now waits for the receipt of the final certification document.

AERO 2024 marked a pivotal moment for Blackshape, reaffirming its position as a leading innovator in the aviation industry. Blackshape looks forward to continuing its journey of excellence and delivering exceptional aircraft solutions to aviation enthusiasts worldwide.

Blackshape names new President and new CEO

BLACKSHAPE S.p.A. is pleased to announce that has appointed Giuseppe Mariano as new President and Niccolò Chierroni as new Chief Executive Officer effective immediately.

WeFly appointed exclusive Blackshape dealer for DACH countries

Blackshape is pleased to announce WeFly as their exclusive distributor in the countries of Germany (D), Austria (A), and Switzerland (CH). Effective from January 1, 2023 WeFly will be providing sales and customer support throughout their territories.

“Blackshape keeps expanding its strategic international footprint,” states Angelo Petrosillo, CEO for Sales & Marketing at Blackshape. “With WeFly we have selected a professional and reliable partner for the German speaking market, and we are excited to establish a new Blackshape hub in the heart of Europe together.”

Founded in 2001, WeFly GmbH, headquartered in the Rhein-Main area, brings with them more than 20 years of experience in general aviation and supplies the DACH region with the most modern and high-end aircraft on the market. “We are more than excited to have found the right partner for one of Europe’s most important sales regions, who not only shares our values and objectives, but also represents us adequately. We are convinced that customers in this region will benefit from our new partner’s many years of experience, existing contacts and customer-oriented service,” says Blackshape Sales Director Reinhard Schwaiger. “The WeFly GmbH team with its years of experience in Aircraft Operations, Chartering and Aircraft Brokerage will represent Blackshape competently in the DACH region,” says WeFly CEO Michael Feldhorst. For more information visit www.wefly.de

GERMAN VERSION

Blackshape ernennt WeFly zum exklusiven Händler für die DACH-Region

Blackshape begrüßt WeFly als exklusiven Händler für Deutschland (D), Österreich (A) und die Schweiz (CH). Seit Beginn diesen Jahres (2023) bietet WeFly Verkaufs- und Kundendienstleistungen in der DACH-Region an.

„Blackshape baut seine strategische internationale Präsenz weiter aus“, sagt Angelo Petrosillo, CEO Sales & Marketing bei Blackshape. „Mit WeFly haben wir einen professionellen und zuverlässigen Partner für den deutschsprachigen Markt gewählt und freuen uns sehr, gemeinsam eine neue Blackshape-Basis im Herzen Europas zu etablieren. “

Die 2001 gegründete WeFly GmbH mit Sitz im Rhein-Main Gebiet bringt mehr als 20 Jahre Erfahrung in der Allgemeinen Luftfahrt mit und versorgt die DACH-Region mit den modernsten und hochwertigsten Flugzeugen auf dem Markt. „Wir freuen uns sehr, für eine der wichtigsten Vertriebsregionen Europas den richtigen Partner gefunden zu haben, der nicht nur unsere Werte und Ziele teilt, sondern uns ebenfalls adäquat repräsentieren wird. Wir sind überzeugt, dass die Kunden in dieser Region von der langjährigen Erfahrung, den bestehende Kontakten und dem kundenorientierten Service unseres neuen Partners profitieren werden“, sagt Blackshape Sales Director Reinhard Schwaiger. „Das Team der WeFly GmbH mit ihrer Jahre langen Erfahrung in Aircraft Operations, der Vercharterung und im Aircraft Brokerage wird Blackshape in der DACH Region kompetent vertreten,“ sagt WeFly Geschäftsführer Michael Feldhorst. Weitere Informationen zu WeFly gibt es hier www.wefly.de

Contacts / Kontakt:
Karin Kirchner
Marketing Manager, Blackshape
Phone: +39 335 7421427
E-Mail: karin.kirchner@blackshapeaircraft.com

Petra Feldhorst
Sales & Marketing, WeFly GmbH
Phone: +49 6181 3696670
E-Mail: pf@wefly.de