Interview with Giovanni Pascale Langer, Managing Director of Tecnam

Giovanni Pascale Langer, Managing Director of Tecnam, takes us behind the scenes of the company’s operations and reflects on the philosophy that drives their aircraft to stand out in the skies.

Q: As  both a pilot and a leader in aviation manufacturing, can you share your earliest memory of flying and how that shaped your passion for aviation?

G.P: My first memory of flying was actually in the passenger seat of a P92, sitting next to my father. I must have been six or seven years old, and I still remember the feeling of lifting off the ground, that lightness, that freedom. It was more than just a moment; it was a connection. Growing up in a family where the hangar has been almost an extension of home, aviation has never been just a profession, it’s part of our DNA. That first flight made me realize I wanted to do more than just be around aviation, I hoped to be part of its growth.

Q: Growing up in the Pascale family, deeply rooted in aviation, how has that heritage influenced your vision for Tecnam and your personal approach to innovation and leadership?

G.P: Our family’s legacy is both an inspiration and a responsibility. My uncle and grandfather were true pioneers; they built aircraft not just with skill but with heart. My father Paolo carried that same spirit forward, dedicating his life to aviation with passion and precision. That passion and craftsmanship are values we carry forward every day at Tecnam. But heritage alone isn’t enough. Innovation is what ensures we continue to grow and meet the evolving needs of modern aviation. While remaining true to our roots, we constantly seek new ways to improve and expand. For us, leadership means maintaining a balance between honoring tradition and embracing progress.

Q: Tecnam has seen impressive global growth in recent years. What would you say are the key factors that have driven the brand’s success and made it stand out in today’s competitive general aviation market?

G.P: Our success is rooted in three key pillars: reliability, versatility, and the strong sense of community around the Tecnam brand. We design aircraft to meet real-world needs, from professional pilot training in flight schools to commercial aviation. Customer focus and personal instinct have always guided our decisions. To support this growing demand, we’ve recently expanded our production facilities with a new 13,000 square meter hangar. In parallel, our global network of partners, dealers, and support teams plays a crucial role, it’s a passionate, engaged community that continues to drive our momentum worldwide.

Q: Looking at Tecnam’s current position in the industry, from training aircraft to your efforts in developing efficient commuter aircraft for regional airlines, what achievement are you most proud of, and where do you see the brand headed in the next decade?

G.P: I’m incredibly proud of how Tecnam has become a global leader in flight training and commercial operation. Aircraft like the P-Mentor and P2006T represent a new generation of pilot training, modern, cost-effective, and fully compliant with both EASA and FAA and the many others local validation. Their low operating costs and advanced features have made them a top choice for flight schools worldwide.

Regarding regional air mobility, the P2012 Traveller has opened new possibilities for connecting smaller communities with safe, efficient service. Its performance, comfort, and versatility have made it a game changer in regional aviation and special mission operations.

Building on that, the P2012 STOL brings short takeoff and landing capability to remote areas, without compromising payload and comfort, addressing real-world challenges with smart design. What makes the P2012 platform truly unique is that no other aircraft on the market offers the same combination of modern design, operational flexibility, and passenger comfort in this category. It’s not an adaptation of an old airframe but a purpose-built solution, filling a clear gap in regional and utility aviation. The global response confirms it: the P2012 is in a class of its own.

Giovanni Pascale Langer, Managing Director of Tecnam, takes us behind the scenes of the company’s operations and reflects on the philosophy that drives their aircraft to stand out in the skies. Q: As  both a pilot and a leader in aviation manufacturing, can you share your earliest memory of flying and how that shaped your…