Jetcraft Corporation celebrates 50th anniversary

As business aviation has evolved, Jetcraft has prospered by embracing change and
pursuing new opportunities while remaining true to its founding values

RALEIGH, NC, Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Jetcraft Corporation, a provider of business aircraft sales, acquisitions, trading and brokerage services, today officially announced its 50^th anniversary.

Jetcraft's history has been defined by success in identifying industry trends and compelling business opportunities. The company has made strategic decisions that have allowed it to prosper by remaining at the forefront of innovation, in an industry that has changed considerably in the past half century.

Here are some of Jetcraft's principal milestones and accomplishments over the past decades:

1960s

Charles "Bucky" Oliver acquires FBO Raleigh-Durham Aviation in 1961 and recognizes the potential of Bill Lear's vision of the purpose-built business jet. Raleigh-Durham Aviation goes on to become a leading Learjet dealer, operator and host of Learjet demonstrations.

1970s

As "point-to-point" business jet travel becomes a practical reality within the continental US, Bucky Oliver sells Raleigh-Durham Aviation and starts Raleigh-Durham Aircraft Sales. The company goes on to become one of Cessna's largest dealerships and one of the first Cessna Citation service stations on the East coast.

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.

1990s

With the growing popularity of long range/large business jets, Jetcraft becomes an OEM-independent re-marketer of all business aircraft. For example, the company begins to provide brokerage services for Bombardier Challengers and Globals, Gulfstreams and Dassault Falcons.

2000 to Today

Jetcraft further develops the sophistication of its offerings with the Jetcraft-ed™ approval program, the "JetCoast" interior completions program and the launch of Jetcraft Avionics LLC, a provider of Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS). Furthermore, as growing international markets present new opportunities for business aviation, industry-leading aircraft trader Jahid Fazal-Karim becomes co-owner in 2008 and the company opens 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 50^th anniversary and look forward to Jetcraft's future success," concludes Mr. Anderson.

About Jetcraft Corporation

Jetcraft Corporation is an international leader in new and pre-owned business aircraft sales, acquisitions and trades. Headquartered in Raleigh, NC, Jetcraft has sales offices/representation in five US cities; Basel and Zurich, Switzerland; Dubai, UAE and Moscow, Russia. The company's 50-year track record in aircraft transactions has earned it a world class customer base and one of the strongest global networks in the industry. Jetcraft Avionics LLC, a subsidiary of Jetcraft Corporation, provides distribution of Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS) for aftermarket business and wide body aircraft using Elbit-Kollsman's state-of-the-art EVS-II and AT-HUD. For more information, please visit www.jetcraft.com.

Notes to Editors

For more information or to schedule an interview with Chad Anderson, please contact:
Mark Lowe
Seefeld Group
For Jetcraft Corp.
E-mail: [email protected]
Mobile: (514) 576-2519

An 'Editorial Backgrounder' on Jetcraft's history, including photographs, is available.

Visit Jetcraft at NBAA 2011, October 10 - 12, Las Vegas, Nevada. Jetcraft will be present at the NBAA static display, with several aircraft available for public viewing.

or to schedule an interview with Chad Anderson, please contact:
Mark Lowe
Seefeld Group
For Jetcraft Corp.
E-mail: [email protected]
Mobile: (514) 576-2519

SOURCE Jetcraft Corporation