Quantcast

Icon A5 faces production challenges amid rising costs

Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
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
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

Flying Food Group recently announced on LinkedIn the celebration of employee participation in the Sue Gin Fund at its Honolulu facility.

Jul 1, 2025

The 2025 Paris Air Show has concluded with numerous orders placed by major aircraft manufacturers including Airbus, ATR, Boeing, and Embraer.

Jul 1, 2025

First class air travel in the United States has seen a decline, yet it remains significant for premium domestic markets.

Jul 1, 2025

Both the IAE V2500 and CFM56 families of engines are widely recognized as successful turbofans in the aviation industry.

Jul 1, 2025

Embraer and CommuteAir have entered into an agreement to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at Perot Field Alliance Airport in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jul 1, 2025

Boeing has constructed a total of 1,573 Boeing 747 aircraft, including two Air Force One models pending delivery.

Jul 1, 2025