By now you’ve no doubt read the news that Ontic, the parent company of Twin Commander Aircraft, earlier this year acquired the type certificates for the Metro/Merlin line of aircraft from M7 Aerospace and you’re wondering what this means as the operator of a Twin Commander.
In short, it’s good news. Ontic’s business is supporting legacy parts, and with the addition of the Metro/Merlin line, now a robust line of legacy aircraft as well. Bringing the Metro/Merlin line into the Ontic family will benefit owners of these popular aircraft, as well as owners of Twin Commanders.
Merlins share a number of similarities with Twin Commanders. Among owners they are revered for their speed, efficiency, and load-carrying abilities. And their Honeywell TPE-331 engines can push them beyond 300 knots. Metros are prized by many cargo and some passenger airlines around the world for their robustness and efficiency.
Bringing the Metro/Merlin line and Twin Commander Aircraft under one roof will expand the engineering and support staff, which will benefit all owners and operators. It also represents an opportunity for better purchasing power. The Metro/Merlin staff add to Twin Commander Aircraft’s technical expertise, while Ontic’s support will continue to bring supply chain benefits to both.
Ontic remains fully committed to the Twin Commander line of aircraft, and with the Metro/Merlin acquisition will bring both type certificates under one administrative structure at Twin Commander Aircraft’s current home in Creedmoor, North Carolina. In the past few years staffing in the facility has grown from 50 to 130, and is expected to reach 200 by the end of the year. It’s just one sign of the success and investments Ontic is making to better support Twin Commander owners and operators.
