All HBCM Employees Will Have Jobs With New Owner

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation told ANN Tuesday about the sale of its Charter and Management Business to Sentient Flight Group, LLC, an aircraft management and aviation services company with operations in Massachusetts, New York, Philadelphia, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Louis, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

"Sentient Flight Group is well respected in the industry for their successful jet membership, aircraft management and aircraft charter operations," said Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO of Hawker Beechcraft Corporation. "Their focus on safety, quality and service were key factors in the decision-making process."

Aircraft charter and management was a small part of former HBC parent Raytheon's business offerings for many years. The Board and Senior Leadership Team for the Hawker Beechcraft believed the opportunity to realize true growth potential was limited under the recently-created spinoff.

The sale of the business to Sentient Flight Group will allow the offshoot to grow in the charter and management market, and includes all 22 employees, current aircraft contracts and FAR Part 135 license.

All current employees will automatically transfer to Sentient Flight Group, and current General Manager and Director of Operations Chad Landes will continue to lead the new organization. "

This is a wonderful opportunity for a bright and exciting future with a company that plans to invest and grow the business, and one that saw value in the talented team that has made Hawker Beechcraft Charter Management the success it is today," Schuster said.

Sentient Flight Group will be the preferred provider of charter services and aircraft management to Hawker Beechcraft Corporation going forward.

"We are thrilled to acquire the skills and talents of the HBCM team. Their historic commitment to service for both charter clients and aircraft owners makes them a strong addition to Sentient," said Steve Hankin, CEO of Sentient Flight Group. "We look forward to HBCM’s continued growth as part of our organization."

FMI: www.hawkerbeechcraft.com, www.sentientflight.com/