HBC sees great promise for business aviation in Africa

The US company says that from 2008 to 2010, preliminary analysis shows that HBC’s market share grew from 18 percent to approximately 50 percent of all business turbine aircraft sales in Africa, with an increase from 12 percent to more than 40 percent of the business jet sales in Africa. In addition, more than half of the 2010 business turboprops purchased in Africa were from HBC, compared to 33 percent in 2008.
 
“Parts of Africa are enjoying strong economic growth and the potential for the region is great,” said Sean McGeough, HBC president, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “Given this economic growth and the size of the continent, Africa offers one of the best opportunities for business aviation anywhere in the world. In order to succeed however, we can’t just provide high quality aircraft; we must have proven leadership, strong aftermarket sales support and a robust parts infrastructure, and our position in Africa has never been stronger.”
 
As part of its commitment to continue to grow its business in Africa, HBC recently strengthened its sales team in the region by appointing Scott Plumb as vice president of Hawker sales for EMEA and Peter Walker as vice president of Beechcraft sales for EMEA.

Plumb has more than 20 years of aerospace sales and marketing management experience gained in a variety of roles with Gulfstream Aerospace, Airbus Industrie, British Aerospace and most recently at VistaJet Aviation Services. Walker is a long-time veteran of HBC with many years of experience in the South African market, including a distinguished business career working for Imperial Transport Holdings prior to joining HBC.
 
In 2010, HBC announced an agreement with ExecuJet to further augment its Global Customer Support coverage by providing service for its Hawker products throughout Africa, Australia and the Middle East.