Demand for Corporate Aviation Finance Expected to Increase in the Europe, Middle East and Africa Region

New research from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) and Corporate Jet Investor among aviation finance experts reveals that, over the next five years, the majority expect demand for aviation finance to increase slightly or dramatically in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. None of those interviewed anticipate demand to fall. The companies conducted a poll of 48 aviation finance experts at the International Corporate Jet & Helicopter Finance 2011 conference.

“The business aviation market is steadily recovering after it bottomed out last year,” said Kirsten Bartok, HBC vice president, Global Aircraft Financing. “Our research suggests that we can expect emerging and developing markets, which are projected to enjoy sustained growth over the next few years, to provide a growing opportunity for corporate aircraft lessors and lenders. We believe this will be supported by a maturing aviation finance market. Given that we are a truly global business, driven in a large part by developing market sales, this represents a promising future.”

“These are exciting findings for the private aviation market,” said Alasdair Whyte, editor, Corporate Jet Investor. “However, it clearly shows that although we can expect growth in the core markets such as the United States and Western Europe, emerging markets such as the Middle East and Asia, will see the biggest expansion over the next few years, and this is clearly where some of the best opportunities will be for manufacturers and aviation finance experts.”

Results from the poll are as follows:

Country/region Percentage of aviation finance experts who expect demand for finance to:

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.