Australian aircraft sales and maintenance group Aeromil hopes to kick-start sales of Cessna's full range of aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region after buying the manufacturer's Cessna Pacific operation.
Sydney Bankstown airport-based Cessna Pacific was wholly owned by the aircraft manufacturer. The sale follows a review by Cessna of how best to market and sell its aircraft in the region, says Aeromil (Flight International, 13-19 January).
The acquisition sees Aeromil assuming the assets of Cessna Pacific, the lease of its Bankstown sales, maintenance and support facility and its sales and service responsibilities in Australia, New Zealand and parts of the Asia- Pacific region. The purchase price has not been disclosed.
Queensland-based Aeromil has a wide range of aviation interests, including the sourcing and acquisition of new and used business jets and regional airliners, maintenance and product support, Queensland regional airline Sunshine Express and the operation of Singapore Airlines' flying college in Queensland.
As well as maintaining the Sydney facility, Aeromil plans to add Cessna activities to its sales, spare parts and maintenance base on Queensland's Sunshine Coast and form co-operative agreements with associated companies around the region to provide fixed-base operation and related services.
Aeromil executive chairman Steve Padgett says Cessna aircraft are particularly suited to Australian conditions, and the new-generation Garmin avionics now fitted to Cessna singles make them particularly appealing.
"Aeromil intends to promote Cessna aircraft and aviation in general to the new breed of individuals and corporations who have never before considered aircraft ownership," the company says.
EMMA KELLY / PERTH
Source: Flight International
