Jetcraft reaches 50 year milestone
Company was at the forefront of business aviation in the 1960s
Jetcraft Corporation, a
provider of business aircraft sales, acquisitions, trading and brokerage
services, today officially announced its 50th anniversary.
Jetcrfat started when
Charles “Bucky” Oliver acquired FBP Raleigh-Durham Aviation in 1961 and
recognised the potential of Bill Lear’s vision of the purpose-built business
jet.
In the 1970s, Bucky
sells the FBO and creates Raleigh-Durham Aircraft Sales, the new company soon
becomes a Cessna dealership and one of the first Cessna service centres on the
East Coast of America.
In the 1980s, Raleigh-Durham
Aircraft Sales acquires American Aircraft Leasing, a company dedicated to
leasing commercial and corporate aircraft, an innovative alternative to
ownership that responds to the drive for increased cost-efficiency being
implemented by corporate flight departments. In 1987, Raleigh-Durham Aircraft
Sales is renamed Jetcraft Corporation.
With the popularity of
long range/large business jets, in the 1990s Jetcraft becomes an
OEM-independent re-marketer of all business aircraft. The company begins to
provide brokerage services for Bombardier Challengers and Globals, Gulfstreams
and Dassault Falcons.
Moving forward to today,
Jetcraft has developed its offerings with the Jetcraft-ed approval program, the
“JetCoast” interior completions program and the launch of Jetcraft Avionics, a
provider of enhanced flight vision systems (EFVS).
Furthermore, as international
markets presented new opportunities for business aviation, Jahid Fazal-Karim
became co-owner in 2008 and the company opened its first international sales
office in Switzerland, to
complement its six US
offices. This year, the company appointed sales representatives in Dubai, UAE and Moscow, Russia, and opened a Swiss subsidiary in Zurich.
“Bucky Oliver is a true
pioneer in business aviation,” says Chad Anderson, president, Jetcraft
Corporation. “He saw a promising future, but knew that his company would have
to remain dynamic and innovative. His vision has steered Jetcraft through
considerable change and tremendous opportunities. Over the last 50 years,
Jetcraft’s ability to adapt has been backed by a strong focus on teamwork and
client relationships, an ability to identify new opportunities, and the
willingness to engage in acceptable risk. For developing and championing our
company’s core values, we thank Bucky Oliver.”
“Learning from our
history and leveraging our experience gives us the confidence to look forward.
Today, Jetcraft is an international leader in aircraft sales and acquisitions.
Our team possesses industry-leading expertise and the experience to serve our
global clientele with the highest standards. We take pride in celebrating our
50th anniversary and look forward to Jetcraft’s future success,”
concludes Mr. Anderson.
