The International Bureau of Aviation (IBA) has announced that James Uniacke has joined them in a newly created role, Head of Asset Management, to lead and further develop its growing managed portfolio of aircraft. This is the third senior management role that the Group has recently identified and IBA now offers distinct and complementary technical services and asset management capabilities.
James joins IBA after 23 years experience gained in a variety of aircraft asset management and remarketing roles at Focus Aviation, most recently holding the position of Head of Asset Management. Prior to this, he began his aviation career with BAe Systems as Sales Contracts Manager, followed by 8 years with Short Brothers as Regional Sales Manager.
James was responsible for successfully completing a number of difficult and complex asset management projects at Focus Aviation. This experience included setting up and leading the asset management team which executed the highly successful long-term work-out of the $600m Central Air Leasing portfolio of 15 MD-11 aircraft, on behalf of a syndicate of leading banks, following the demise of Swissair. Work included the structuring and management of 22 interim leases to 4 lessees on 4 continents, completion of 4 freighter conversions and 33 engine shop visits, and the eventual sale of all 15 aircraft into a strong market.
Other portfolio management projects handled by James on behalf of major financial institutions have included aircraft ranging from ATR-42s to B747-400s, on lease to operators in Africa, South America and the Far East, as well as the USA and Europe.
IBA President and COO, Phil Seymour, comments “We are very pleased to have secured James’ services at a time when our fleet of managed aircraft is growing and there are so many opportunities in the market for further growth.”
For more information on the services offered by the IBA Group please contact Owen Geach, Commercial Director at +44 (0) 1372 224488.
