Historic Milestone: Horizon Airways Receives Australia’s First Tecnam P2012 STOL
Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has delivered Australia’s first P2012 STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft to Queensland-based Horizon Airways on May 19, 2026. This marks a historic milestone for Australian regional aviation, representing a significant upgrade for communities in some of the country’s most remote locations.
The twin-engine P2012 STOL is set to replace Horizon’s aging fleet of 1970s-era aircraft, connecting communities in the Torres Strait and Cape areas. Operating from Horn Island, the aircraft boasts exceptional short runway performance, thanks to an extended 16.6-meter (54.5-foot) wingspan and enhanced lift devices. This enables reliable service to outer island communities including Mabuiag, Darnley, and Murray Islands, which are home to some of Australia’s shortest commercial airstrips.
The aircraft features:
- Nine air-conditioned passenger seats
- A spacious cabin
- Modern aviation safety technology
Ed Morrison, CEO of Horizon Airways, stated the P2012 STOL is “purpose-built to meet the unique demands of our region and deliver a level of capability unlike anything currently operating in the market.” Francesco Sferra, Tecnam’s P2012 sales manager, noted the aircraft was “engineered exactly for this kind of critical mission,” bringing modern safety, twin-engine reliability, and premium comfort to challenging commercial runways.
Source: Global Air