Deal Gives Planemaker Larger Presence In South American Market

When Hawker Beechcraft said earlier this year it wanted to strengthen its foothold into international markets... the company wasn't kidding, or making idle comments. On Tuesday at NBAA 2008, HBC announced Brazilian-based Líder Signatures S.A. has ordered 23 aircraft spanning the Hawker Beechcraft product line.

Líder, a Hawker Beechcraft dealer and authorized service center since 1996, purchased what is considered to be one of the largest general aviation aircraft orders in Brazilian history with a value estimated at nearly $200 million. The contract was officially signed by Líder CEO Eduardo de Pereira Vaz this week.

"Líder has been a partner with Hawker Beechcraft as a dealer and authorized service center for 12 years. We’ve shared a great relationship with them over the years and it’s a tremendous honor to now receive one of Brazil’s largest-ever orders from this great company," said Brad Hatt, president, Commercial Sales at Hawker Beechcraft. "There is a large demand in Brazil for our aircraft and we are thrilled that Líder continues to sell our great products. We’ve had an increasing presence in Latin America and our sales team has really elevated HBC as the leader in the region."

The momentous order consists of three Hawker 4000, two Hawker 900XP, three Hawker 750, five just-announced Hawker 450XP, one Beechcraft King Air B200GT, four Beechcraft King Air C90GTi, two Beechcraft Baron G58 and three Beechcraft Bonanza G36 aircraft.

"With such a strong product lineup, Hawker Beechcraft aircraft are great for our customers in Brazil," said Vaz. "Líder celebrates its 50th anniversary this year of doing business in Brazil. On this commemorative year, we’re excited to sell and support Hawker Beechcraft’s products and we look forward to a long relationship with this legendary brand."

Deliveries for the 23 aircraft will take place from 2009 to 2011.

FMI: www.hawkerbeechcraft.com