Nextant Aerospace Heats Up for Latin America

• Nextant appoints GFM Aviation as sales agent for most of Central and South America
• The company sees significant potential in Latin American market and increased interest following LABACE
• GFM Aviation’s President Manuel Fasce has built a solid reputation as one who understands the region and the needs of the Latin American customers

CLEVELAND, OHIO, March 25, 2014 – Nextant Aerospace (“Nextant”), maker of the Nextant 400XTi – the world’s only remanufactured business jet – and the forthcoming G90XT turboprop, today announced the appointment of GFM Aviation as exclusive Sales Representative for Central America and most of South America. The move follows a spike in interest in the Nextant remanufactured aircraft since the 400XTi was displayed at LABACE. GFM Aviation will develop regional sales, marketing and customer support strategies including the establishment of Nextant-authorized service centers.

Latin America has a large installed base of aging entry-level aircraft presenting a strong opportunity for both new sales and conversions. The region has traditionally been the second largest market outside of the US with 17.2% of the global Beechjet 400A/XP fleet and 29.2% of the global King Air 90 series fleet¹.Source: JetNet Data, Nextant analysis With an underdeveloped ground transportation infrastructure and restrictive scheduled airline services, the region is seeing a significant increase in intraregional trade buoyed by increasing demand and new free trade agreements. These factors combined to drive double-digit growth in the Latin American business aircraft fleet over the past five years. Additionally, 39% of Latin American operators are looking at new aircraft purchases, half of which are expected before 2016². Source: Honeywell Aviation Outlook 2013 & FT Corporate Aviation (Oct 2013)

“We see great potential in the Latin American market,” said Nextant Executive Vice President Jay Heublein. “We know there is growing demand for entry-level aircraft and ours offer industry-leading range and performance at only half the purchase price. GFM Aviation’s President Manuel Fasce is highly regarded by clients and colleagues for his leadership, integrity and professionalism. I am confident that he and his team at GFM Aviation have the experience and expertise to deliver on the potential of the Latin American market.”

Manuel Fasce has enjoyed an extensive career in aviation with over 30 years of experience. Initially he worked in sales for some of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, including Lockheed Aircraft and McDonnell Douglas in California. In the early 1990s, Manuel and his family moved to South Florida and joined Beech Aircraft Corporation where he was the recipient of frequent sales awards, including, in several occasions, International Sales Person of the Year. Manuel started GFM Aviation with his son Manny to bring that same focus and local market knowledge to Nextant.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to represent Nextant Aerospace,” said Manuel Fasce, President of GFM Aviation. “The concept of remanufacturing existing aircraft using the latest technology offers a new alternative that appeals to the Latin American market. The 400XTi and the G90XT are both stellar performers – a significant improvement over their predecessors which happen to be two of my all-time top-selling models. Their performance and comfort, combined with the best economics in the industry, add up to a very compelling proposition.”

With the cost and downtime of heavy inspections, technical obsolescence of existing systems and operating efficiencies available from modern engines and avionics, Nextant remanufacturing can pay for itself over a surprisingly short investment horizon. The two largest Beechjet fleet operators in the world have recently committed their fleets to Nextant remanufacturing, citing the clear economic advantages of the decision.

About Nextant Aerospace

Nextant’s pioneering process for remanufacturing business jets is now recognized as an established technical and commercial success worldwide with significant sales in every major operator category and class-leading levels of comfort, performance and reliability, at a purchase price half that of comparable aircraft. The revolutionary 400XTi light jet features Williams FJ44-3AP engines and the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 integrated flight deck. The same winning combination of the latest technology in remanufactured airframes is expected to repeat this success with the G90XT turboprop powered by next-generation GE H75 engines and an enhanced Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck. Founded in 2007, Nextant is based in Cleveland, Ohio. Nextant is a Directional Aviation Capital company. For more information, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @nextantaero or join us on LinkedIn.

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