Planemaker Hopes Jahn Can Work Some Of Her Mooney-Magic

Hot on the heels of receiving Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of its Alpha 160A aircraft, New Zealand's Alpha Aviation has appointed a new general manager with significant experience in the US market. Former Mooney CEO Gretchen Jahn has been appointed to the role, replacing Managing Director Richard Sealy, who becomes the Deputy Group Managing Director of Gregory Australia Ltd.

As Aero-News reported, Jahn resigned from the Mooney Airplane Company and Mooney Aerospace Group last September.

Alpha Aviation Chairman Graeme Edwards states Jahn's appointment coincides with Alpha Aviation's shift from start-up, to becoming a full-fledged aircraft manufacturer, boosting its ability to compete and succeed on an international stage.

"Gretchen is an influential figure with broad knowledge of manufacturing and the aviation industry," Edwards told ANN. "Her appointment gives a huge boost to Alpha Aviation's efforts, as well as the aviation industry in New Zealand as a whole. While Alpha has been successful in the start up phase of operation, we are now at the point where our production capabilities need to be seriously reviewed to meet larger than anticipated demand."

Edwards added Jahn will be responsible for significantly increasing production, and reducing manufacturing times -- "while at the same time maintaining our internationally-recognized excellent manufacturing standards."

Those are formidable tasks -- but Jahn has shown she can do it before. In her two years with the Mooney, the Kerrville, TX-based planemaker more than doubled aircraft production, and brought two new aircraft models to market.

Jahn notes Alpha has done a phenomenal job to date, securing New Zealand, EASA and FAA type certifications in record time while simultaneously receiving the production certificate for its two-seat aerobatic aircraft. The company also recently expanded its facilities at Hamilton Airport, which will assist with the scale up of production.

"I'm inheriting an exciting product range, a recently expanded facility and a very capable team, and I'm delighted to be involved with the company at what is a pivotal stage in its growth and development," Jahn said.

Jahn's new position becomes effective March 1.

FMI: www.alphaaviation.co.nz/