US manufacturer follows eastward expansion with Premier I sales breakthrough
Raytheon Aircraft has scored its first business aircraft sales success in Russia, following the eastward expansion of its German distributor.
Beechcraft Berlin Aviation is finalising a deal to sell a Premier I light jet to an undisclosed Russian private individual, which is scheduled for delivery this month. The German Raytheon jet dealer took control of sales in the former Soviet Baltic states in 2001, establishing a subsidiary in Riga, Latvia. Last year it extended its area of responsibility to include Russia.
Wolfgang Mller, sales director for Beechcraft Berlin, says the first sale of a Raytheon type in Russia vindicates the company's strategy and investment over the past three years. It expects to sell its first aircraft in Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania this year, but further Russian sales may depend on the maintenance requirements of Russian airworthiness body Armak.
Beechcraft Berlin plans to establish a maintenance centre in Russia to service future sales, with an evaluation of various bases set for the second half of the year. The location of the centre could have an impact on future sales, says Mller.
JUSTIN WASTNAGE / LONDON
Source: Flight International
