Hawker Beechcraft Expands Global Service Network with Authorized Center in Saudi Arabia

Hawker Beechcraft Expands Global Service Network with Authorized Center in Saudi Arabia
Company selects ARABASCO as new authorized service center
GENEVA, Switzerland (May 11, 2009) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced that Jeddah, Saudi Arabia-based Arabian Aircraft Service Company (ARABASCO) joins its worldwide network of authorized service centers to support its Hawker 800 series of aircraft. ARABASCO plans to add more aircraft, such as the 900XP, to its service offerings in the near future. Based at King Abdul Aziz International Airport (JED), this authorization provides a first time alliance between HBC and a maintenance facility in Saudi Arabia.

“At Hawker Beechcraft, we continue expanding our service network to ensure effective support of our large customer base and fleet of aircraft in all parts of the world,” said Steve Porte, vice president, International Customer Support. “As the first authorized service center for Hawker jets in Saudi Arabia, this demonstrates our commitment to growing general and business aviation and supporting our customers in the region.”

ARABASCO is the premier Fixed Based Operations (FBO) and maintenance facility company in Saudi Arabia, offering a variety of aircraft maintenance, management and ground handling services to private, VIP and business jets.

“Though ARABASCO has been maintaining Hawkers for quite some time, this authorization will enhance our ability to perform work-under-warranty for the owners of newer Hawker aircraft in the region, and save them the time and expense of ferrying their aircraft elsewhere,” said ARABASCO Chief Executive Officer, Retired Brigadier General Mohammad Al Shablan. ”Furthermore, it firmly strengthens ARABASCO’s position as the premier provider of aircraft maintenance services to the business aviation sector in the most lucrative market in the Middle East and North Africa.”

About ARABASCO
ARABASCO has been in the general aviation segment, ground handling, aircraft maintenance, aircraft management and aircraft fueling business for 28 years. As a maintenance and repair organization, ARABASCO is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, as well as civil aviation authorities from the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and Lebanon.

As a ground handler, ARABASCO is a premier Fixed Base Operation (FBO) with membership in the International Air Transport Association and the National Business Aviation Association. With locations in Jeddah, Riyadh, Medina and Yanbu, ARABASCO handles more than 22,000 flight movements per year. ARABASCO also provides a comprehensive aircraft management system that includes full crew management, overfly and landing permits, maintenance and ground support to many aircraft types.

About Hawker Beechcraft Corporation
HBC has 10 existing service centers located across the United States, Mexico and the United Kingdom. The network of factory-owned service centers provide professional aircraft maintenance and repair with readily available access to its knowledge base of company expertise and engineering data. HBC also maintains a network of approximately 90 independent authorized service centers around the world.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is the world’s leading business, special-mission and trainer aircraft manufacturer – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan., Little Rock, Ark. and Chester, England, U.K. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.