GENEVA, Switzerland, May 19, 2015 –Piper Aircraft has confirmed the first sale of the Meridian M500 into Europe to the OK Aviation Group.

“The M500 is a unique aircraft,” said Simon Caldecott, President and CEO at Piper Aircraft. “We cannot emphasize enough the value, performance, and safety that defines this plane. We continue to increase our international presence by providing a compelling product line that is economically and operationally advantageous to aviators around the world. We are grateful to work with the OK Aviation Group for this initial European sale of the M500.”

After increased public speculation and great anticipation, Piper announced their new M500 product first quarter of this year. With the latest advancements in Garmin avionics for increased flight safety, as well as additional functionality improvements, the M500 is characterized by multiple performance enhancements not typical of this class of turbine aircraft. Piper has received increased positive acclaim for improving upon the company’s existing exceptional flagship aircraft, the Meridian.

“We have witnessed great enthusiasm and increased interest in the M-Class series upon the announcement of the M500, “ said Drew McEwen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Piper Aircraft. “We are pleased to deliver into the European market, and anticipate additional requests for this aircraft.”

About the Piper M500
The Piper M500 features the latest in Garmin G1000 avionics, enhanced safety features, and a number of other significant product improvements. The six-place M500 is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A 500 shp engine, sports a 260 ktas / 482 km/h max cruise speed and has a range of 1,000 nm / 1,852 km. Equipped with an improved Garmin G1000 avionics suite featuring the most advanced safety features available in any single engine turboprop aircraft, the 2015 M500 is listed at a competitive price of $2.26 million.

About Piper M-Class Aircraft
Piper M-Class aircraft offer Piper performance and safety built upon a proven airframe that has been an industry standard for years. Three refined, cabin class derivatives comprise the full line: the M600, Meridian M500, and the M350; the Matrix is also part of the M-Class family. Each product fits its own niche and price point, and each aircraft provides a seamless step-up to the next level. Created to maximize the business and private travel experience, the M-Class line offers market-leading safety, as well as performance, efficiency, and value.

About OK Aviation Group
Based in the Czech Republic, OK Aviation Group is a collaboration of companies dedicated to advancing general aviation for over twenty years. With services provided in both sales and training for the private aircraft industry, the OK Aviation Group continues to address the needs of the today’s private pilot with diversification and professionalism.

About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft. The single-engine M-Class series – the M600, Meridian M500, M350, and Matrix – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance and value. The Twin Class Seneca and Seminole balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in twin-engine aircraft. The Trainer Class Archer TX, Archer DX, Arrow, Seminole, and Seneca aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Unparalleled service and support is offered through a network of 38 dealers and nearly 100 service centers worldwide. All Piper airplanes feature advanced Garmin avionics in the cockpit. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

# # #
Piper Aircraft Inc.
For further information, contact:
Jackie Carlon
Phone: (772) 299-2900
Fax: (772) 978-6585
Mail to: Jackie.Carlon@piper.com
piper.com