Atlanta, Ga, October 20, 2010 – DAHER-SOCATA announced today that entrepreneur and long-term TBM owner/operator, Mr John Merry will establish a new Company and dedicated team to take on the distributorship of the TBM 850 family in the UK and Ireland. Effective January 2011, the new organisation will also be responsible for maintenance, technical support and spare parts provision from a soon to be announced airport base.
The deal was signed at the NBAA Show in Atlanta between John Merry and Nicolas Chabbert, DAHER-SOCATA’s Vice President Airplane Division yesterday.
“I am delighted to take on this new challenge promoting and supporting an aircraft I am so passionate about.” stated John Merry. “ We plan to announce the new team in a few weeks and will immediately set about building the infrastructure ready for the New Year,” he concluded.
John Merry, who founded JetBrokers Europe in 2009 after managing several successful automotive groups in Europe, has owned three TBM and four TB 20 aircraft since 2002. The six seat TBM 850 is the ultimate owner pilot aircraft, he believes, with excellent economics - as much as half the cost of a comparable light jet in terms of direct operating costs - and combines a low environmental footprint. John and his team will work to bolster the UK and Irish market which currently supports some 17 aircraft.
Previously, Air Touring represented DAHER-SOCATA in the UK and Ireland.
“We are very pleased to conclude this distributor agreement in the UK and Ireland with John Merry. He understands precisely what we need to achieve in the way of support as a long term customer and has experience first hand of our Very Fast Turboprop TBM 850 unique characteristics,” commented Nicolas Chabbert.
The TBM 850 is world’s fastest single turboprop aircraft, with a maximum cruising speed of 320 KTAS at Flight Level 260 (in ISA conditions). It combines cruising speed and trip times of a light jet with the economic direct operating costs, range and moderate environmental signature of a turboprop engine. The maximum range and useful load – which are enhanced on the new model – and the ability to land at small airports are some of its customers’ favorite features.
About DAHER-SOCATA
DAHER is a European integrated equipment and services supplier.
DAHER specialises in the aerospace, nuclear, defence and industry sectors, concentrating on three core activities: manufacturing, services and transport, which it builds into a global offer. Founded in 1863, DAHER is an independent, international group with installations in 12 countries. DAHER has tripled in size over six years to reach an annual turnover of 740 million Euros in 2009.
DAHER-SOCATA, DAHER group’s aeronautics division, boasts a global and original offering to serve airframe manufacturers and tier-1 equipment manufacturers, with established expertise in four complementary activities presenting a wealth of synergies: aircraft manufacturing, aerostructures, technology services and specialties.
For more information, visit www.daher.com and www.tbm850.com.
