A NEW company is now handling the distribution of Piper aircraft in the UK following news that Meridian Aviation has taken over the assets of Bournemouth-based Anglo American Airmotive.

Meridian Aviation has been formed by successful Guernsey-based computer software businessman Jeff Carr and Bob Berry, a former representative for Piper Aircraft.

They have taken on all but two of the 40 Bournemouth-based personnel and a £3m investment plan is set to be put in place.

"For some time Bob Berry and I have felt that we can create a blue- print for sales and service in general aviation that will mirror the leading service led distributors in other competitive sectors such as the automotive and marine industries," said Mr Carr.

Meridian Aviation is now planning the development of the facilities at Bournemouth that are home to the new and used aircraft sales, avionics installation, parts distribution, servicing, and administration.

The new company is also reviewing its authorised Piper Aircraft service centre network, found at airports and airfields around the UK, that help maintain the 2,000 Piper Aircraft that are on the British aircraft register.

In 2002, Piper's Florida-based factory will manufacture 318 aircraft.

Chuck Suma, president and CEO of New Piper Aircraft Inc, says that he is pleased with the appointment of Meridian Aviation as sole distributor for the UK, Ireland and Spain.

"I am very confident that Piper will maintain and increase its strong market share under the guidance and management experience of Jeff Carr and Bob Berry who are very committed to the brand," says Chuck Suma, who will be joining Meridian Aviation at the 2002 Aerofair exhibition held at North Weald in May.

"I believe that we will see a very positive reaction from our customers to the changes that are planned for the next 12 months."