More demand for turboprops in South Africa
Hawker Beechcraft experiences continued demand for turboprops in South Africa, HBC turboprops had a 43% market share in South Africa in 2011
Hawker Beechcraft has experienced strong market share growth in South Africa for its turboprop models in recent years.
Analysis of business turboprop deliveries to Africa’s largest economy revealed that HBC’s market share grew from 13 per cent in 2008 to 43 per cent in 2011, in spite of a challenging economic climate.
Speaking following the Durban Airshow at Virginia Airport, Durban, HBC president, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Sean McGeough said: “Due to the worldwide economic situation many companies have had to reassess their business aircraft fleet. However, it is encouraging to see that in this time of uncertainty, customers have been placing their faith in HBC aircraft. The customers and potential customers I spoke to in Durban were particularly attracted by the capabilities and flexibility of King Airs, which gives me a lot of confidence that we can continue to build on our market leading position across Africa. Indeed, Absolute Aviation, which is our exclusive Beechcraft distributor for Sub-Saharan Africa, has seen strong sales of our aircraft.”
Neil Howard, chief executive of Absolute Aviation, said: “We are delighted with the feedback we have received from our customers on their King Airs and we continue to see interest in Beechcraft models. Given the growing strength of the African economy and the suitability of Beechcraft’s aeroplanes for this market, we are confident about the future.”
One recent customer Triton Express took delivery of a King Air 250 to support its growing nationwide operations in October 2011.
Eric Corbishley, chief executive of Triton Express, said: “In order to provide a superior delivery system we had to find an aircraft that has the ability to land practically anywhere across South Africa. The King Air 250 provides us with unlimited flexibility, enabling us to travel to areas where commercial airlines are not an option and the ability to visit multiple branches in a short period of time. I have been delighted with the service we have received to date.”
HBC has recently strengthened its operations in Africa by adding a further six facilities in its global customer support network.
In addition to this, HBC recently appointed Absolute Aviation as an exclusive Beechcraft distributor for Sub-Saharan Africa.
