EADS Socata Appoints Infinity Aviation as its Aircraft Sales Representative in Russia

Sept. 18, 2008
Infinity Aviation is a Moscow-based company that provides a full range of services expected by business aviation corporate customers.

Moscow, Russia, September 19, 2008 – EADS Socata today announced the appointment of Moscow-based Infinity Aviation as its Aircraft Sales Representative for Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

The announcement was made at the 2008 JetExpo Business Aviation International Exhibition, which is being held this week at Moscow’s Crocus Expo Center, and includes a TBM aircraft on display.

Infinity Aviation is a Moscow-based company that provides a full range of services expected by business aviation corporate customers: from aviation operation consulting to new and pre-owned aircraft sales, business aircraft maintenance and support for ground equipment sales. Infinity Aviation also is a designer and manufacturer of flight simulators for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

“We are proud to have been selected by a leading company such as EADS Socata as its Aircraft Sales Representative to market the world’s fastest single turboprop aircraft,” said Viktor Kuklyaev, managing director of Infinity Aviation. “We believe the Russian market is now mature for an aircraft like this Very Fast Business Turboprop, which addresses the rising generation of entrepreneurs. Combining jet-like performance with turboprop efficiency, it will be the most economical solution available on the market.”

“Infinity Aviation is the highly experienced partner we were looking for to enter the fast-growing Russian business aviation market,” said Nicolas Chabbert, EADS Socata’s Vice President – Sales and Marketing. “The warm welcome we receive from prospective customers brought by Infinity Aviation at JetExpo exhibition is a good indicator of future fruitful business relationships.”

EADS Socata is the manufacturer of the TBM 850, 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 EADS Socata (www.socata.eads.net)

EADS Socata is one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers, with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911. Current products include the TBM family of high-speed turboprops, TB GT piston aircraft, aerostructures for Airbus civil airliners, the A400M military transporter, Dassault Falcon jets, Eurocopter helicopters and Embraer regional jets. EADS Socata is expanding its customer service activities, to support its growing fleet of TBM and offer its light aviation expertise for aircraft below 5.7 metric tons through avionics modernization, maintenance, repair and overall package offers. Headquartered in Tarbes, France, with North American operations in Pembroke Pines, Florida, EADS Socata is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS group.

About EADS (www.eads.net)

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of €39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programs from Ariane to Galileo. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division, and holds a stake in the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems.