Open Letter To Columbia Owners
In a candid letter
this week to owners of Lancair and Columbia
aircraft, incoming Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing
president and CEO Wan Abd Majid laid out his vision for the
company.
His appointment came amid some turbulence for the
company, in connection with the March 22 announcement of significant
management and workforce restructuring changes.
In his "open letter" to Columbia owners -- posted on the
Club Columbia owners group discussion page -- Majid noted that
he is celebrating his tenth year with the company... dating back to
the days of The Lancair Company, as an engineer.
Majid acknowledged that he, Columbia owners and employees
"have much invested in the success and bright future of Columbia
Aircraft Manufacturing and it has become my mission to lead the
organization to a position of prominence amongst the growing class
of piston-single certified aircraft."
"Columbia owners are a
passionate and loyal group who expect and deserve the best," he
added. "We ask your indulgence as we take action in the coming
months to improve our business and your ownership experience."
Majid acknowledged that change may be slow at times. However he
asked owners to recognize each step as a necessary strategic action
to achieve the company's long-term goals.
"Everyone at Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing truly believes that
we manufacture an aircraft that represents the pinnacle of design,
performance and quality in a personal aircraft," he said. "We, as
owners and employees should proud to be a part of something so
special."
Recognizing that achievement is not without challenges, Majid
noted, "No one is any more cognizant of our achievements and
shortcomings than our management team and the dedicated aerospace
workers who build and support your Columbia. Consequently, the
recent highly-publicized internal changes are necessary steps that
we must take in order to refine the way we conduct business as it
pertains to manufacturing and support."
The challenges ahead and the steps to be taken, he added, are
not uncommon in the manufacturing world.
The many milestones and technological advances achieved over the
past 10 years have been accompanied by significant business and
even meteorological challenges "that conspired to alter the course
of our business," Majid noted.
"In every instance, Columbia has always risen to the occasion
and worked diligently to overcome obstacles in our path. Frankly,
at times Columbia faltered in our ability to communicate clearly
and in a timely manner with the loyal customer base that built this
company and left many of you to question our collective
future."
"You have our assurance that Columbia will again rise to the
occasion."