Company Hopes To Further Its European Appeal

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation says its strong international sales have bolstered the company’s backlog to a record $6.8 billion, led by the Europe/Africa region. The Wichita, KS-based planemaker plans to showcase the variety of its product line at this year's European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE), which runs May 20-22.

A number of factors contributed to the building momentum in Europe, including increased sales, the strengthening of the company’s international sales team, new European-exclusive demonstration aircraft and recent EASA and other international certifications. In an effort to broaden its appeal to European customers, HBC is increasing its presence at this year’s show.

"The strong global demand for our products elevated our backlog to the highest level in the history of our company. Our added focus in this market is strengthening our position going forward," said Sean McGeough, vice president, International Sales. "We look forward to showing our remarkable aircraft at this year’s EBACE and anticipate a very busy show."

With the many new product upgrades recently announced, HBC says it is working diligently with appropriate international bodies to secure additional aircraft certifications worldwide. In the last year, the company has earned a number of international certifications on four models -- the Hawker 900XP and Hawker 750, and the Beechcraft B200GT and C90GTi.

Hawker Beechcraft plans to showcase eight of its aircraft at EBACE 2008 -- including the flagship Hawker 4000, the Hawker 900XP and Hawker 400XP bizjets, the Beechcraft Premier I, and the Beech King Air 350 and C90GTi.

Piston-equipped planes will have their day as well, with a Baron G58 and Bonanza G36 also on display. Both planes are new demo aircraft to be used exclusively in Europe; the company expects approval for both G1000-equipped aircraft by the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) soon.

To support the anticipated increase in European piston sales, Hawker Beechcraft has also added a dedicated piston sales person, Chris Hancock, to the European region sales team. He will be based in Chester, UK.

FMI: www.hawkerbeechcraft.com, www.ebace.aero