Blackshape Debuts at Abu Dhabi Air Expo, Showcases Italian Excellence in Aviation Innovation
Blackshape, an Italian aircraft design and manufacturing company under Angel Holding, made a striking debut at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo, one of the aviation industry's premier international events held from November 19-21, 2024.
For the first time in the UAE, Blackshape introduced the Gabriél BK160-200, an all-composite, piston-engine, two-seat tandem aircraft with retractable landing gear. Displayed at stand 440, the Gabriél BK160-200 epitomizes Italian design excellence and technological innovation. Founded in Monopoli, Bari, Italy, Blackshape has established a reputation for its high-performance, sleek aircraft, widely admired by pilots and aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
Revolutionizing Aviation with Composite Materials
Blackshape has produced over 100 aircraft, leveraging advanced composite materials to develop models tailored to the civil, military, and recreational markets. The Gabriél BK160-200 is fully certified by both EASA and FAA, making it a versatile choice for primary flight training for civilian and military pilots as well as private and recreational flying. Offered in AVGAS and MOGAS variants, the Gabriél combines high performance with sustainability, meeting evolving aviation standards.
Showcasing Performance and Innovation
Highlighting Blackshape’s innovative capabilities, a Gabriél BK160-200 completed an impressive 4,000-kilometer journey from Italy to the UAE, piloted by the company's chief pilot. This journey underscored the aircraft’s reliability and long-distance performance. Alongside the Gabriél, Blackshape also showcased the Prime, a two-seat tandem ultralight aircraft renowned for its agility and high performance. Certified in multiple countries, the Prime further solidifies Blackshape’s standing in the global aviation market.
Strategic Expansion in International Markets
“We are thrilled to showcase the Gabriél BK160-200 for the first time at this event and to see our engineering and manufacturing excellence appreciated in a region that values avant-garde technology and innovation,” said Niccolò Chierroni, CEO of Blackshape. “This participation represents a strategic step in strengthening our presence in international markets and positioning Blackshape as a leader in primary aeronautical training platforms.”
With its debut at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo, Blackshape reinforced its commitment to advancing the aviation industry through innovative solutions, sustainable practices, and a forward-looking approach to design and performance.
