Hong Kong Aviation Company Appoints Mathis Shinnick Chief Executive Officer

HONG KONG and SYDNEY, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong Aviation Company ("HKAC"), a leading investor in global aviation finance, announced today that Mathis Shinnick has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Shinnick will be based in Hong Kong and comes to HKAC from HSH-Nordbank AG where he held the position of Global Head of Transportation since 2004.  Mr. Shinnick is expected to begin his appointment May 1, 2010.

"We view Mr. Shinnick's appointment as a very important step in HKAC's development and planned international expansion," said Adam Tan, Executive Director, HNA Group and Chairman, Hong Kong Aviation Company.  "Mr. Shinnick's 20 years of experience in the transportation sector will help us achieve our long-term objective of deploying significant capital in transportation-related assets.  In addition, his management experience will help us rapidly consolidate the existing lease management business within the recently acquired Allco aviation portfolio and help position HKAC as a leader in the global aircraft leasing marketplace."

"Mathis Shinnick is a highly respected and globally acknowledged leader in the transportation finance sector," said Bharat Bhise, CEO of Bravia Capital Partners and investor in HKAC.  "His hiring is a further sign of our commitment to recruit the best available talent in the industry.  His experience at Chase Securities and HSH-Nordbank will be invaluable in directing our long term strategic vision for HKAC.  Mr. Shinnick is intimately familiar, not only with the types of assets we are financing, but also the complex structures associated with such financings."  

Mr. Shinnick most recently held the position of Global Head of Transportation at HSH-Nordbank AG.  Prior to HSH-Nordbank AG, Mr. Shinnick was Head of Transportation at Deloitte & Touche Corporate Finance where he significantly expanded the firm's penetration into the transportation industry as a Lead M&A Advisor.  He also previously held the position of Co-Head of Global Aviation at Chase Securities where he led the league tables as agent and arranger for aerospace and defense debt financing.   Mr. Shinnick has an MBA in international management from the American Graduate School of International Management and a BBA in accounting from the Robert O. Anderson School of Business, University of New Mexico.

HKAC plans to expand its employee presence globally over the next 12 months.  The firm recently secured a portfolio of nearly US$3 billion in assets by completing its acquisition of Allco Aviation in early January 2010.  As part of the acquisition, HKAC retained the entire existing management team of the Allco Aviation portfolio.

About Hong Kong Aviation Company

Hong Kong Aviation Company ("HKAC") is a diversified player in the aviation industry.  HKAC is headquartered out of Hong Kong, with offices in Sydney and London.  The firm invests in commercial aircraft leases and financial instruments, and also provides aircraft management and advisory services.  HKAC's mission is to prudently invest in the global transportation and infrastructure sectors for consistent and long-term returns, creating value for its investors and clients alike.  HKAC has a highly capable team with skills and experience in both the financial industry and the management of aircraft assets.  The company's Web site can be found at www.hongkongaviation.com.

SOURCE Hong Kong Aviation Company