What's In A Name? Global Commonality

In a move intended to bring its North American sales and support base in line with its other global centers, EADS announced this week the board of directors for Fort Lauderdale, FL-based Socata Aircraft Inc. approved the renaming of the company to EADS Socata North America.

“We decided to continue our effort for one-integrated company we announced last year and changed the name of our subsidiary Socata Aircraft, Inc. for EADS Socata North America, Inc.” explained Stéphane Mayer, Chairman and CEO of EADS Socata. “It will keep under one single banner our teams in the US and in France for the best customer service.”

EADS Socata North America is the sales and support base for EADS Socata corporate and general aviation for the Americas. The company is also responsible to provide maintenance, spare parts distribution, and technical support for the entire EADS Socata product line operated in North and South America.

“We want to direct our efforts towards the growing customer base and focus our energy in a series of improvements. It is necessary that our customers see the company under the same flag and expect the best of our teams whether they are located in Pembroke Pines or in Tarbes,” said Nicolas Chabbert, VP Sales and Marketing for EADS Socata and President of EADS Socata North America.

Company officials tell ANN the North and Latin American markets are continuing to grow as a market for the TBM850, primarily by private owner-pilots but also for light cargo service and on-demand charter.

EADS Socata is one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers, with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911. Current products include the TBM family of high-speed turboprops, TB GT piston aircraft, aerostructures for Airbus civil airliners, the A400M military transporter, Dassault Falcon jets, Eurocopter helicopters and Embraer regional jets.

FMI: www.eadsnorthamerica.com