Reims Aviation
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aircraft manufacturing |
| Predecessor | Avions Max Holste |
| Founded | 1962 in Reims, France |
| Founder | Max Holste (origin of company) |
| Defunct | April 17, 2014 |
| Fate | Entered receivership; manufacturing assets sold to Continental Motors, Inc. |
| Successor | Continental Motors, Inc. (for F406 production) |
| Headquarters | Reims , France |
Area served | Europe |
| Products | Aircraft, notably F406 Caravan II |
| Owner | GECI Aviation (parent until liquidation) |
| Parent | GECI Aviation |
Reims Aviation Industries was a French aircraft manufacturer located in Reims, recognized primarily for the production of the F406 Caravan II. It functioned as a fully owned subsidiary under GECI Aviation.
History
The company’s origins trace back to founder Max Holste, who constructed his initial airplane, the SHB1, in 1931 and later founded Avions Max Holste in Reims in 1946. During the 1950s, the firm introduced the MH.1521 Broussard in 1950 and followed with the MH.260 Super Broussard in 1959. A collaboration commenced in 1960 with Cessna, enabling licensed manufacturing of light aircraft tailored for the European market. Officially established as Reims Aviation in 1962, the company concentrated on producing the FR172 Reims Rocket, an enhanced power version of the Cessna 172. In 1989, Reims Aviation acquired full ownership by buying back Cessna’s shares, thus becoming an independent French manufacturer. The production of single-engine airplanes was discontinued thereafter, leaving only the F406 model in active assembly.
On 10 September 2013, Reims Aviation entered receivership. Subsequently, on 25 March 2014, its maintenance and systems operations were transferred to ASI Innovation, while the manufacturing assets related to the F406 were sold to Continental Motors, Inc.. Soon after, on 17 April 2014, its parent entity GECI Aviation was liquidated. Continental Motors has since announced intentions to maintain production of the F406 at their facility in Mobile, Alabama.
Products
At the time of bankruptcy, the F406 remained the sole aircraft still being produced, all developed in collaboration with Cessna. Notable models included:
- Reims F150
- Reims F152
- Reims F172 and its variant Reims FR172 Rocket
- Reims F177
- Reims F182
- Reims F337
- Reims-Cessna F406 Caravan II