Albury company Smartair announced yesterday that it had acquired Foxbat Australia, the local agent for Aeroprakt aircraft such as the A22LS Foxbat and A32 Vixxen.
Foxbat Australia has had the agency for 20 years and in that time delivered nearly 250 Aeroprakt aircraft to Australian customers.
Smartair's Tristan Mol welcomed the opportunity to take on the agency.
"I’ve been a great admirer of Foxbat aircraft for years and when the opportunity came up to acquire the dealership in Australia, it was a chance too good to miss. We are enthusiastically planning to build on the substantial foundation of almost 250 Aeroprakt aircraft in Australia and will continue to provide prompt, expert and friendlysupport and spare parts from our own extensive aviation facilities at Albury Airport."
Peter Harlowe initially in SE Queensland, but 15 years ago he consolidated the company at Tyabb in Victoria, and has been the face of Foxbat until his decision earlier this year to exit the business.
"Marketing and supporting Aeroprakt aircraft in Australia over the last 20 years has been a fantastic experience," Harlowe said. "Working with the Aeroprak tfactory and forming great relationships with many Foxbat owners has been inspiring.
"Although my time with Foxbat Australia is drawing to a close, I’m excited for Tristan, his family and colleagues at Smartair, who I’m sure will bring a great mix of youth, enthusiasm and many years of aviation experience to lead Aeroprakt and Foxbat on to ever greater success in Australia."
Smartair was established in Albury in 1968 and operations now include flying training, charter and aerial survey. Maintenance capabilities range from LSA through to pressurised turbine aircraft, including piston engine and electrical component overhaul and is an Authorised Mooney Service Centre.
"We believe Foxbat is a good fit with our current business mix and that Smartair can add value to the Foxbat product through maintenance support and pilot training opportunities," Mol said.
Smartair takes over the Aeroprakt agency from this Thursday, 1 July.