Pilatus set for major expansion in the United States
The Swiss manufacturer of the PC-12 turboprop and PC-24 Jet inks deal to develop a factory-owned flagship sales, design, and service center in Bradenton, Florida. In a ceremony at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ), Pilatus executives and Airport Authority officials signed an agreement to develop 17 acres on the north side of the airport for Pilatus to construct a new state-of-the-art sales and service facility. The new Customer Center will initially employ more than 50 people to manage aircraft sales, service, design and delivery of Pilatus aircraft in the Southeastern United States. The U.S. is Pilatus' largest market for its business aircraft.
The initial development will include 54,000 square feet dedicated to maintenance activity, spare parts distribution and new aircraft deliveries, plus an additional 17,000 square feet of workshops, office and administrative space. The facility is expected to be operational by mid-2026. Future growth plans for Pilatus' Bradenton location include final assembly for aircraft delivering to North and South America and may ultimately employ up to 300 people. The construction of the new Bradenton facility is part of a larger company strategy to support the growing fleet of more than 2,250 Pilatus aircraft already based in North and South America.
SAS to leave Star Alliance and join SkyTeam under new ownership
SAS announced that the company has successfully completed its restructuring proceedings and emerged from chapter 11 in the US and from Swedish company reorganization, concluding in the investment of USD 1.2 billion. Sweden-based SAS restructured debt of more than $2 billion, adjusted its fleet and delisted its stock in a process that wiped out the stakes of its more than 250,000 former owners.
SAS sought bankruptcy protection in July 2022 after years of struggling with high costs and low demand, leading to a court-approved plan making Air France-KLM, hedge fund Castlelake, investment manager Lind Invest and the Danish government its new owners. On September 1st SAS has formally become the 21st member of the SkyTeam alliance, having joined the group after withdrawing from Star Alliance.
Europe’s premier vertical flight event flies into Amsterdam
EUROPEAN ROTORS is thrilled to announce registration is now open for the 2024 edition, which will take place from 04 November to 07 November, with the show floor open from 05 to 07 November. As Europe's largest event dedicated to the vertical flight industry, EUROPEAN ROTORS 2024 promises to be an occassion for innovation, networking, safety, and collaboration. Over 5,000 people from nearly 80 countries attended EUROPEAN ROTORS 2023 in Madrid, which also included more than 200 exhibitors and dozens of aircraft on display.
Held at the RAI Amsterdam, the show once again kicks off with the EASA Rotorcraft and VTOL Safety Symposium. The one-day event on 04 November is a unique forum in Europe to discuss the latest developments from a safety perspective. This event gives the opportunity to actively exchange ideas between Authorities, Industry, Operators, Pilots, Safety Investigators, Researchers, and all those interested in improving safety. Organised by EASA and European Helicopter Association (EHA), EUROPEAN ROTORS is produced by Vertical Aviation International. The show has the support of European and international operators and manufacturers, and many of these companies exhibit on the show floor.
People: George J. Priester Aviation appoints Ron Carlstrom as CFO
George J. Priester Aviation, the private aircraft management and charter provider, recently announced the addition of Ron Carlstrom as its Chief Financial Officer for its family of aviation services brands.
Carlstrom brings more than two decades of senior executive leadership to George J. Priester, including lengthy CFO tenures at technology, software as a service and life insurance industries. Like many George J. Priester Aviation leaders, Carlstrom comes from a family-owned business background, working for the Chicagoland retail stores his entrepreneurial parents have operated. He later worked in various positions, including financial leader for a digital interactive agency that was acquired by one of the largest HR technology providers in the world. Carlstrom joined AccuQuote, a leading life insurance quoting and brokerage firm. For three years, he helped position the company for acquisition and led due diligence efforts, resulting in a successful acquisition by global insurance leader, Swiss Re Group. Post-acquisition, he led the integration of financial reporting and helped build a robust financial governance framework.
Ron Carlstrom holds an MBA in finance and a B.A. in history, minoring in economics. Spending time with his wife and three kids – either playing hockey in a backyard rink or traveling to concerts and outdoor activities – has been a driving force during his career.
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