Hawker Beechcraft Sees Strong Growth in AfricaHawker Beechcraft Sees Strong Growth in Africa

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) has experienced strong growth in Africa over the past several years. Moving forward, HBC sees the continent as one of the most promising business aviation growth regions in the world. From 2008 to 2010, preliminary analysis shows that HBC’s market share grew from 18 percent to approximately 50 percent of all business turbine aircraft sales in Africa, with an increase from 12 percent to more than 40 percent of the business jet sales in Africa. In addition, more than half of the 2010 business turboprops purchased in Africa were from HBC, compared to 33 percent in 2008.

“Parts of Africa are enjoying strong economic growth and the potential for the region is great,” said Sean McGeough, HBC president, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “Given this economic growth and the size of the continent, Africa offers one of the best opportunities for business aviation anywhere in the world. In order to succeed however, we can’t just provide high quality aircraft; we must have proven leadership, strong aftermarket sales support and a robust parts infrastructure, and our position in Africa has never been stronger.”

As part of its commitment to continue to grow its business in Africa, HBC recently strengthened its sales team in the region by appointing Scott Plumb as vice president of Hawker sales for EMEA and Peter Walker as vice president of Beechcraft sales for EMEA. Plumb has more than 20 years of aerospace sales and marketing management experience gained in a variety of roles with Gulfstream Aerospace, Airbus Industrie, British Aerospace and most recently at VistaJet Aviation Services. Walker is a long-time veteran of HBC with many years of experience in the South African market, including a distinguished business career working for Imperial Transport Holdings prior to joining HBC.

In 2010, HBC announced an agreement with ExecuJet to further augment its Global Customer Support coverage by providing service for its Hawker products throughout Africa, Australia and the Middle East. This includes facilities at Lanseria and Cape Town, South Africa and a new facility in Lagos, Nigeria to be opened soon. National Airways Corporation (NAC) continues to provide maintenance support for HBC’s line of Beechcraft products in Africa.

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.