Quantcast

Icon A5 faces production challenges amid rising costs

Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Icon A5 faces production challenges amid rising costs
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

The Icon A5, an amphibious light sport aircraft manufactured in the United States, has seen its base price rise to $409,000 in 2024. This increase comes with options such as the Garmin G3X primary flight display and autopilot. Despite facing legal and financial challenges since 2016, over 200 units have been produced, with the first customer delivery occurring that same year.

Designed for recreational use, the Icon A5 features a high-winged flying boat design with a carbon fiber airframe and retractable undercarriage. It accommodates two people and is often compared to motorcycles and speedboats rather than traditional aircraft. Notably, "35% of A5 customers are not pilots," highlighting its appeal beyond aviation enthusiasts.

The aircraft includes a Rotax 912 iS engine with 100 horsepower, a three-blade propeller, sponsons for stability on water, foldable wings for easy storage or transport, and a Ballistic Recovery System parachute depending on certification. The fixed monthly cost is $2,017 with variable costs at $113 per hour.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Initially designed by BMW Designworks and Randy Rodriguez of Nissan fame, the A5 underwent several changes during development. Testing began in January 2009 to assess water handling capabilities followed by aerodynamic tests. In 2011, it was equipped with updated spin-resistant wings. Lotus Engineering later took over interior design duties.

Icon faced financial difficulties despite securing significant investments totaling $60 million from various sources including a Chinese investor. By June 2011, they had sold 694 aircrafts; however production delays led to missed delivery targets.

In response to these issues and accidents involving the A5 in 2019, Icon decided to certify the model under the US primary aircraft category in hopes of boosting international sales. They also introduced a controversial purchaser's agreement which was subsequently amended after criticism.

Icon continues production amidst challenges while aiming to expand their market reach through strategic adjustments.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

United Airlines has announced the issuance of travel waivers for passengers whose flights were affected by closures at London Heathrow Airport.

Apr 2, 2025

ITA Airways announced that flight AZ806 managed to land safely after a brief hold due to nearby missile activity.

Apr 2, 2025

EVA Air has announced the reinstatement of its Premium Economy Class on the Seattle route, with three weekly flights scheduled from March 8 through July 27.

Apr 2, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the launch of a new door-to-door delivery service called 'Very Important Parcels' (VIPs), promising the same level of care as provided to its passengers.

Apr 2, 2025

Cargolux has announced the transportation of two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity in Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.

Apr 2, 2025

Hainan Airlines announced that its Beijing–Oslo flight HU769 landed successfully in Norway.

Apr 2, 2025