Superior Air Parts Names Keith Chatten Executive Vice President and General Manager

March 10, 2014
Chatten's experience in all parts of advanced product design, quality and manufacturing, as well as the various FAA approval processes will be extremely valuable in guiding the success of the company's current and future product development programs.

Coppell, TX, March 10, 2014 — Superior Aviation Group CEO, Timothy T. (Tim) Archer announced today that Keith Chatten has been appointed Executive Vice President and General Manager at Superior Air Parts, Inc.  

“Over the past three and a half years, Superior has continued to make significant strides in growing its position as a leader in the FAA-approved PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) business, as well as its other business areas including piston engines for certificated and experimental aircraft,” Archer stated. “I am very happy to be able to announce Keith’s appointment as Superior’s Executive Vice President and General Manager and am confident that his passion and leadership will be instrumental in continuing our success and growth.”

“As my responsibilities within the Superior Aviation Group continue to expand, I am not able to dedicate the time and attention required for the day-to-day activities here in Dallas,” he said. “In the time since he joined us as VP of Engineering and Quality, Keith has demonstrated both the leadership and business skills the company needs to continue the momentum and accelerate our efforts." 

“I cannot tell you how excited and honored I am to receive this promotion,” Chatten said. “Superior has such a bright future and to have Tim and the Board put their faith in my ability to reach our goals is truly the highlight of my career.”

“Superior Air Parts continues to build a great team that balances expertise and new energy,” he said. “With the support of the Superior Aviation Group, we will be able to bring new products to market and expand our PMA business at a higher rate and greater value than the general aviation market has seen over recent years.”

Archer stated that, in particular, he felt Chatten’s experience in all parts of advanced product design, quality and manufacturing, as well as the various FAA approval processes will be extremely valuable in guiding the success of the company’s current and future product development programs.

“Right now our facility in Coppell is working on a variety of new projects across all of our product lines,” Archer said. “Keith has demonstrated the insight we will need to achieve our goals including the continued expansion of our PMA parts business, as well as our engine development and new certification efforts.”

Prior to joining Superior Air Parts, Chatten had been the Associate Vice President of Engineering for Continental Motors, Inc. During his 14-plus-year career there he had held a variety of Engineering and Program Management positions with increasing responsibilities within the engine manufacturing company. Before joining Continental, he was a Project Engineer for John Deere Consumer Products.

Chatten holds a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Louisiana Tech University, as well as an MBA from the University of South Alabama. He has hands-on experience in virtually every current production piston powered aircraft and has over 4,000 hours of flight time. The combination of educational, professional and flight experience have combined to prepare Chatten to lead Superior Air Parts into its promising future. 

About Superior Air Parts, Inc.

Superior Air Parts, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Superior Aviation Beijing, is a leading manufacturer of FAA approved aftermarket replacement parts for Lycoming and Continental aircraft engines. In addition, the company manufactures the FAA certified Vantage Engine and the XP-Series Engine family for experimental and sport aircraft builders. For more information, visit:  www.superiorairparts.com