Quantcast

Icon A5 faces production challenges amid rising costs

Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Airlines must now give automatic refunds for significant delays. Here's what to know.
American Airlines Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members ratify new agreement
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines (JAL) Form Joint Business Agreement — What To Know
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
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

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

Yesterday, Lufthansa City Airlines received its first Airbus A320neo at the Airbus facility in Hamburg-Finkenwerder.

Apr 9, 2025

Real-life events of snakes appearing aboard flights have been documented, evoking memories of the 2006 film "Snakes on a Plane."

Apr 9, 2025

Air France is among the largest operators of the Airbus A350.

Apr 9, 2025

Talks continue regarding the possibility of resuming direct flights between the United States and Russia.

Apr 9, 2025

Travel between the East Coast of North America and Europe usually spans six to eight hours.

Apr 9, 2025