In a filing in bankruptcy court just before Christmas, Hawker Beechcraft asked for court approval to shed two underfunded pension plans covering some 9,500 non-union workers and retirees. The request is part of an agreement with the federal government’s Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (PBGC) and the OEM’s machinists’ union. Terms of the agreement require PBGC to assume responsibility for the two terminated pensions, while Hawker Beechcraft will keep the pension plan covering its 8,200 current and former union employees. A hearing to consider the plan is scheduled for January 17.
Financial services
December 18, 2012 - 2:10pm
John (Rick) Haskins, one of the founding partners and former president and CEO of Jet Support Services (JSSI), died last week in Chicago at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer. He led the company, the first independent engine hourly-cost maintenance program provider, from its inception in 1989 until its 2008 sale to private equity firms R.H. Book and 1848 Capital Partners. Haskins then went on to found an investment firm that provides growth capital to aviation-related companies, and to lead a short-lived helicopter airport shuttle service.
November 30, 2010 - 4:17am
Business aircraft trading has started to move more freely, but the fallout from the financial crisis continues to cast a shadow over the market, according to JetBrokers Europe. The UK-based group says brokers are having to work harder and be more inventive to get deals closed. And buyers are facing much closer scrutiny from lenders.
November 23, 2009 - 10:19am
For the business aviation industry, the past year has been a trying one, to say
the least. Aircraft sales and usage declined steeply as the economic downturn tightened its grip, forcing operators to cope with the new financial realities, and in some cases with disparaging views of the industry.
October 20, 2009 - 3:40pm
Bank of America and Avjet Aviation Services yesterday announced a strategic alliance whereby business jet buyers will receive preferred terms if they finance their airplane through Bank of America and enter into a management agreement with Avjet.
October 19, 2009 - 6:46am
The results of a major bank merger are on display at the NBAA Convention. The aircraft-financing divisions of San Francisco-based Wells Fargo and Charlotte, N.C.-based Wachovia, which was acquired by Wells Fargo on December 31, are showcasing their offerings together in the exhibit hall.
February 21, 2009 - 2:44pm
Credit is tight, but money is available. That’s the message from Jim Pulie, director of business development for Center Capital’s general aviation division.
January 29, 2009 - 11:14am
As the global economy churns, the aviation finance market holds its breath. A recent report from UK-based aviation analysis firm IBA Group predicts that financing will become even more difficult to secure as the year progresses, as lenders chart a cautious course through the turmoil.
December 27, 2007 - 6:57am
Long Island-based jet charter and management company ExcelAire has been selected to join Executive Jet Management, Jet Aviation and Jet Direct as a partner by Bank of America’s aircraft financing division. According to the bank, customers seeking aircraft financing will be offered discounted lease terms if they select one of these management providers.
March 19, 2007 - 10:50am
World banking giant Bank of America (Booth No. 700), a long-time player in fixed-wing financing, announced yesterday its entrance into the rotorcraft market. Although the bank has financed helicopters on an individual basis in the past, this marks the company’s first attempt at luring a broad spectrum of new clients.
