Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Sells its Charter and Management Business to Sentient Flight Group LLC

Oct. 23, 2007
Sentient Flight Group LLC, a leading aircraft management and aviation services company with operations in Massachusetts, New York, Philadelphia, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Louis, Dallas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, has purchased Hawker Beechcraft Corporation's Charter and Management Business.

WICHITA, Kan. (Oct. 23, 2007) – Hawker Beechcraft Corporation announced today the sale of its Charter and Management Business to Sentient Flight Group, LLC, a leading aircraft management and aviation services company with operations in Massachusetts, New York, Philadelphia, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Louis, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

“Sentient Flight Group is well respected in the industry for their successful jet membership, aircraft management and aircraft charter operations,” said Jim Schuster, chairman and CEO of Hawker Beechcraft Corporation. “Their focus on safety, quality and service were key factors in the decision-making process.”

Aircraft charter and management has been a small but important part of Hawker Beechcraft Corporation’s business offering for many years. The Board and Senior Leadership Team believed the opportunity to realize true growth potential was limited under HBC. The sale of the business to Sentient Flight Group provides the synergies needed to grow in the charter and management market and includes all 22 employees, current aircraft contracts and FAR Part 135 license.

Every employee will automatically transfer to Sentient Flight Group and current General Manager and Director of Operations Chad Landes will continue to lead the new organization. “This is a wonderful opportunity for a bright and exciting future with a company that plans to invest and grow the business, and one that saw value in the talented team that has made Hawker Beechcraft Charter Management the success it is today,” Schuster commented.

Sentient Flight Group will be the preferred provider of charter services and aircraft management to Hawker Beechcraft Corporation going forward.

“We are thrilled to acquire the skills and talents of the HBCM team. Their historic commitment to service for both charter clients and aircraft owners makes them a strong addition to Sentient,” said Steve Hankin, CEO of Sentient Flight Group. “We look forward to HBCM’s continued growth as part of our organization.”

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. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers.