Adds Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali Executive Pasquale Schiano To Board Of Directors

Aspen Avionics and Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali (CIRA) have entered into a formal strategic partnership in which both companies will work together to develop products based on Aspen and CIRA technologies. CIRA has a world-class aeronautical research facility located in Capua, Italy. Pasquale Schiano, On-Board Systems and ATM Division Head at CIRA Italian Aerospace Research Center, will take a seat on Aspen’s board of directors.

CIRA was created in 1984 in order to manage PRORA, the Italian Aerospace Research Program, and uphold Italy’s leadership in Aeronautics and Space while being a company with public and private sector shareholders. The participation of the Italian Space Agency, research bodies, local government, aeronautics and space industries sharing a common goal has led to the creation of unique test facilities, unmatched anywhere in the world, and of air and space flying labs. CIRA is located in a 180-hectar (444 acre) area in the immediate vicinity of Capua, in the province of Caserta, north of Naples. CIRA has a staff of 360 people, most of whom are engaged in research activity within domestic and international programs.

“CIRA has an aerospace research and development staff and facility in Italy that is among the best in the world, and they are continually inventing new aviation technologies that have the potential to revolutionize aircraft electronics and systems,” said Aspen’s president and CEO, John Uczekaj. “We will leverage their facilities and staff to research solutions for aircraft electronics, and bring new technologies to the general aviation marketplace. CIRA’s geographical location in Italy brings additional support to Aspen’s global expansion plans. Aspen will establish sales and engineering programs in the region to increase its overall presence in the European market.”

“The strategic partnership with Aspen, one of the major players in the avionics market for General Aviation, will allow CIRA the deployment of its research activities and expertise towards the development of new products. This merge will perfectly match the next steps of innovation in the ATM sector introduced by NextGen in the United States and SESAR in Europe,” said Schiano. “After a year of intense research for the ideal partner in the United States market, we came to the conclusion that Aspen will match perfectly our goals. The combination of both their innovative products and our technologies will allow us to successfully develop unique projects for the avionics sector."

FMI: www.aspenavionics.com