columbia air Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Columbia Aircraft Sales & Service

Shifting Paradigms in a Post-Covid Aircraft Sales World

(Groton, CT – May 29, 2020) For the past 15-20 years I have consistently participated in Sun-n-Fun to “open” the season, Oshkosh to finish the summer, and NBAA-EBACE to tee up winter prospecting and sales activities. In between each of these would be local and regional shows that filled out the dance card. It was a constant annual rotation that gave a great degree of stability and rhythm to the sales year. We could count on each event to help funnel interest and build excitement. Obviously that construct which worked so well in the past has now been forced to change. I have no doubt that the large and small scale expos will continue in some form or fashion going forward (design and execution yet to be determined), but in the interim period of economic pause a new process for prospecting, buying, and selling is settling in…much of which will remain in effect after normalcy returns and balances with our previous notions. I believe central to this new style of buying aircraft will be an explosive expansion of how we’ve been doing it for the last ten years or so now…online. Online listings, social media, video tours & demos…all of these have been in use for many years now, but going forward they will become the norm and the rule rather than simply the fresh new way to buy/sell. For a predominant swath of the industry, a decentralized prospecting method will take effect. The key for us at least as sellers will be to embrace this transition, to build on it, and continue to strive for a quality selling process that takes care of the buyer.

COVID-19 era

Columbia Aircraft Sales remains at the ready to serve our clients in their buying and selling journeys. Our parent company Columbia Air Services continues to maintain a robust level of business in all of our divisions, altogether encompassing forty years in business. The maintenance and avionics shops continue to work at a brisk pace and our FBO locations in Groton CT, Rutland VT, and Bar Harbor ME continue to provide transient and based aircraft with the services they need to keep moving. There have been many bumps in the road over the decades. Columbia has consistently weathered them thoughtfully and professionally, always emerging stronger. We believe and know that there is smooth air again further down this route.

…And we continue to buy and sell aircraft here in Sales. There is never a wrong time to act on what you need. Some need to sell, some need to buy. The fact is…our business resides square in the middle of that spectrum and we remain at the ready to assist.

New vs. Pre-Owned…it all depends on mission and budget. A factory new Daher product will come with the latest in technological advancements such as the TBM940’s newly announced HomeSafe feature utilizing Garmin’s Autoland system. Or a pre-owned aircraft that possesses similar performance and capability may present a better value for you. We are prepared and capable to help you either way! If you do not see what you are looking for, we can absolutely reach out proactively and find it. The pre-owned spectrum is wide and varied; contact us to begin narrowing your field and price point. New aircraft purchases are an exciting option given new technology and upgrades. As times and needs are changing, engage with someone who is able and willing to pivot with you.

Financing is flirting with historic lows making it advantageous to act now. Rates and terms are attractive, and lenders are eager to assist. The recently passed CARES Act potentially benefits your purchase in the form of a Net Operating Loss Carryback (NOLCB) provision. NOLCB allows tax payments from up to five years ago to be refunded due to losses incurred in the current year. This may have significant implications for companies and individuals who are looking to purchase an aircraft in 2020. More detailed info here:

https://aviationtaxconsultants.com/files/df06c2f0-7db0-11ea-a40a-134073866ecc

Leaning Forward

So why own your own aircraft if you don’t already? Total control over access and use while maintaining freedom of movement. Safety and protection for you and your crew. Uncertainties surrounding the global pandemic lend themselves to supporting a private aircraft in your hangar with which to travel unfettered, without concern for virus transmission due to the mode of travel. One less thing to worry about. Consider it Fast Transit over Mass Transit. If you already own an aircraft with which to travel, you no doubt already appreciate these tenets. Is it time to consider an upgrade to be better equipped?

Columbia Aircraft Sales remains eager to transact within the new construct of the post-coronavirus business climate. Call us for a consult and discussion about what you desire and what works best for you. We will leverage our long-term expertise and experience within the sale, management and maintenance of high quality aircraft into choice offerings that are tailored and curated for you. Proper representation is crucial to a successful transaction, from either side of the table. We are available for video presentations of available aircraft if in-person inspections and demonstrations are not desired. Delivery to your home base and/or hangar can be arranged to minimize your exposure. Our aircraft for sale are kept clean and tidy. We can sanitize and disinfect to additional levels as needed per the buyers wishes. In essence, we are committed to selling you an aircraft that meets your specific needs & wants, and is ready to operate safely for you out of the box.

Shift YOUR Paradigm

Next steps are inevitably tough to navigate, especially during a stormy and turbulent trip. As the new normal comes into focus more and more, is it time to consider a next step? Columbia Aircraft Sales remains committed to helping our prospects and clients maintain comfortable, safe and unrestricted general aviation travel capabilities in these trying times, within allowable restrictions and limitations. With current low interest rates and more relaxed tax standards, as well as fuel costs trending downward, the cost of flying is improving while protecting yourself becomes more and more paramount. Those who own their own aircraft now have the ability to travel in a proverbial plastic bubble, less exposed to airborne transmissions to be endured by public air travelers. From YOUR doorstep to YOUR vehicle to YOUR own aircraft, CONTROL your access safely and reliably. Consider a purchase or upgrade today and navigate your own vectors out of the rough air.

Let Columbia’s forty years of experience and industry-wide reputation for excellence enable you to realize ideal outcomes. Our experience matters…and we are ready to put it to work for YOU.

Shifting Paradigms — Clay Hammond Aircraft Sales Representative Columbia Aircraft Sales, Inc.

Columbia Aircraft Sales, Inc. Now Offers Contactless Showings

(Groton, CT – June 19, 2020) We realize that minimizing exposure to COVID-19 is a real concern for many of our customers. In response, Columbia is now offering contactless showings of both new and pre-owned aircraft at our Groton, CT (KGON) location.

Contactless showings are by appointment only and are designed to ensure that you have a safe and private opportunity to learn about the aircraft we offer.

The aircraft you have asked to view will be cordoned off in a controlled access hangar after having its interior surfaces sanitized. Masks, gloves and hand sanitizer are provided, and non-essential employee access to the hangar is restricted during your visit.

Whether you arrive by car or aircraft, you will be safely escorted to the viewing area without having to walk through any public areas.

A sales representative, trained in prevention protocols and wearing a mask, will maintain social distancing while answering any questions that you have.

Contact Columbia Aircraft Sales at 800-787-5001 to reserve an appointment for your contactless showing and learn how personal aircraft ownership can allow you to continue your travel adventures, while protecting the health of you and your loved ones. Visit us at http://www.columbiaaircraftsales.com

Columbia Celebrates our 40th Anniversary

(Groton, CT, July 15, 2020) As much of our industry repositions itself in the wake of COVID-19, Columbia Aviation Companies took time to celebrate an important milestone in April of 2020, our 40^th anniversary. While the pandemic may have shelved our celebratory plans, it fails to diminish the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from knowing our company has served the general aviation community for over four decades. Our incredible record of excellence and success can be attributed to our dedicated, passionate owners and to every one of our employees throughout our locations.

Established in 1980, the Columbia brand was born in an old, white Quonset hangar at the Groton-New London Airport in Groton, CT and provided aircraft maintenance and a variety of other aviation services. Today, Columbia Aviation Companies represent a network of full-service FBO’s that offer comprehensive aircraft support to the general and corporate aviation communities. We are proud to be an Authorized Daher Distributer, providing Daher factory authorized sales and service for the eastern seaboard from Maine to Virginia and Eastern Canada.

Columbia Aviation Companies has had a long-standing reputation as an industry leader committed to delivering unparalleled service. We’ve established that stellar reputation with the hard work of our more than 100 devoted employees, several of whom have been with us since our humblest beginnings. In fact, the majority of our people have been with us over twelve years. The years of service for our maintenance technicians represents over 100 years of combined aircraft maintenance experience alone. Our aircraft sales division is comprised of a group of seasoned professionals who have been part of the Columbia team for over two decades. We are tremendously proud to boast such powerful, collective experience. It is our people and their knowledge, skills and dedication that has directly contributed to our success throughout the last 40 years.

Columbia has no plans to rest on its laurels, however. We look forward to the future with a renewed passion for what we do. The owners, Arthur Maurice and Barbara Silver, have encouraged us to be an organization that prides itself on innovation and adapting to challenges. Over the last several years we established initiatives to assure longevity and continuity in our shop through active recruitment and retention strategies. Through active partnerships with local trade schools, Service Manager Adam Stino has been influential in seeking out talented recruits to join our team where they benefit from the mentorship from our experienced veterans. One of our first promising young recruits, Lucas Revoir, joined us over five years ago. This year Lucas stepped up to become Chief Inspector after John Tentoni retired after 30 years of service in that same post. We are very proud of Lucas and he is a wonderful inspiration to the next generation of technicians.

Over the years, Columbia has repeatedly leaned into new technologies to increase our productivity and improve the customer services experience. Our avionics department has reduced overall down time and streamlined the installation process by use of a computer aided router to cut panels in-house. This past year, we had our own state-of-the-art paint booth installed in our sales/avionics hangar, eliminating the need to send components outside for touchups and paint work. We have replaced old technologies on the shop floor, equipping our technicians with laptops and tablets and moving to a fully digital tech library.

We remain committed to focusing on quality improvements across all our FBO’s, including the use of Flight Bridge in all those locations. Our staff at KBHB, KRUT and Mystic Jet Center have established a universal approach to customer service, assuring our clients are treated with the same level of professionalism no matter their destination.

Columbia is most proud of our continued partnership with Daher. We look forward to representing Daher’s incredible TBM 940 and are delighted to celebrate their industry achievement of delivering HomeSafe™ Autoland technology for all 2020 TBM 940’s. Future plans for Columbia Aircraft Sales, Inc. include a brick and mortar expansion into Canada, designed to provide unparalleled service to our Canadian prospects and owners. This year, Ken Dono, Daher Program Manager, and the sales team are launching our Columbia Select Pre-owned program, a unique rating system developed to assure that the used aircraft we represent reflect the level of high pedigree and quality our customers have come to expect.

We are excited to share these developments and more with our amazing staff, our wonderful customers and industry partners all over the world. Columbia Aviation Companies is incredibly grateful for the last 40 years and we look forward to the next 40!

Visit us to learn more:

http://www.columbiaairservices.com

Introducing Columbia Select Pre-Owned

(Groton, CT, July 23rd, 2020) The Columbia® group of aviation companies today announced that it has launched its Columbia Select Pre-Owned class of aircraft. These are aircraft offered for sale by Columbia that have undergone a rigorous analysis of maintenance records, usage history and component times, in addition to interior and exterior condition. The aircraft then receive an accurate valuation based on Columbia’s proprietary market intelligence. Consequently, prospective buyers will benefit from a complete picture of the aircraft’s maintenance status, market value and projected operating cost.

“We originally ordered many of these aircraft from the factory and have maintained them since new”, said Columbia co-founder Art Maurice. “Our 40 years of experience, knowledge of the market, and the fact that we know everything about the service history of these aircraft means that they represent superior value for our customers. However, Columbia Select Pre-Owned is more than just the records analysis and accurate valuation of the aircraft. Perhaps more importantly, it is also the closing, insurance, training, financing and ownership assistance that we include with every aircraft sale. It’s the way in which we are always there for our owners when they have questions or need an expert opinion. Columbia has a loyal family of owners who trust our judgement and integrity, some of whom have purchased their last 5 aircraft from us. Columbia Select Pre-Owned communicates our expertise and capabilities to the industry and to anyone considering stepping up to personal aircraft ownership.”

Please visit our website to learn more: http://www.columbiaaironline.com/select-pre-owned/

About the Columbia® Group of Aviation Companies
The Columbia® group of aviation companies (http://www.columbiaaironline.com) is an alliance of several affiliated, stand-alone, “Columbia®” branded aviation businesses, under common ownership and management. The Columbia® group includes Columbia® Aircraft Sales, Inc., Columbia® Air Services, Inc., and Columbia® Fuel Services, Inc., each located at the Groton-New London Airport in Groton CT (KGON); Columbia® Air Services-BHB, LLC located at the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport in Trenton, ME (KBHB); and Columbia® Air Services-RUT, LLC, located at the Southern Vermont Rutland Regional Airport in North Clarendon, VT (KRUT).Together, the Columbia® group provides a full range of FBO services, specializing in the sales, service and management of jet, turboprop, and piston-powered aircraft. Columbia® Aircraft Sales, Inc., is an exclusive authorized sales agent for Daher TBM series turboprop aircraft.

Fall Fly-in 2020 Date Announced

(GROTON, CT, August 31st, 2020) The Columbia® group of aviation companies today announced that its Fall 2020 Fly-In will be held on Saturday October 24th, 2020 from 10AM-2PM on the Columbia Aircraft Sales ramp at Groton-New London Airport, CT (KGON). Aviation enthusiasts, pilots and aircraft owners are invited to attend. The event will feature the latest in new Daher TBM and Columbia Select Pre-Owned TBM aircraft. The event is also a celebration of Columbia’s 40^th year in business and commemorative T-shirts and discounted 100LL or Jet-A fuel will be available to aircraft which fly in, in addition to door prizes for best aircraft, longest distance flown to attend, and other categories.

On display will be Daher’s newest TBM 940 featuring the revolutionary HomeSafe™ emergency autoland technology. In the event of pilot incapacitation, HomeSafe will assume control and fly the aircraft and its occupants to a safe landing. The system can either be activated manually by an easily recognizable orange button on the top of the cockpit instrument panel, or automatically engages if an unresponsive pilot triggers the TBM’s eCopilot emergency descent mode. These new automated safety systems, which also include autothrottle and auto-ice protection, make the TBM the safest and most capable family aircraft built to date.

Social distancing guidelines, mask usage and common-sense safety protocols will be in effect during the event in accordance with state guidance. Pilots planning to fly in from another state are currently not required to quarantine provided their stay in CT does not exceed 24 hours. Regular updates will be sent out by Columbia and current guidelines can be checked at https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Travel.

This will be a great opportunity to go flying, see the Connecticut coastline and foliage during a beautiful time of year, and safely socialize with other aviators, so save the date! In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held the next day, Sunday the 25th . For more information visit http://www.columbiaaironline.com or email [email protected]

Chris Riley joins the team at Columbia Aircraft Sales, Inc.

(Groton, CT – June 2, 2021) Columbia Aircraft Sales, Inc., is pleased to welcome Chris Riley to our team in Groton, Connecticut. Chris Riley comes to us from the Baltimore area with over 20 years of sales and marketing experience, including some experience with brokering a wide range of aircraft makes and models.

Relationships and service are attributes that matter to Chris, who has been flying since 2003. During his career he has also served the business community in various capacities ranging from business consultant to serving on state and local legislative committees. He is also a past member of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI). Chris forged strong and diverse ties in his community, having been a volunteer firefighter, USA Field Hockey and Lacrosse umpire, and a medic for the Maryland Neonatal Transport Team. Chris looks forward to relocating to Southeastern Connecticut with his wife Anousheh and daughter Cassidy, and to making similar connections in his new community here.

We know that Chris takes as much care, effort, and pride in helping his clients with their aircraft needs as he does in protecting and helping his community. We could not be prouder and more excited to have him join our team. All of us at Columbia are confident that Chris’s love for general aviation, his natural affability and his entrepreneurial spirit will guarantee him a successful career in sales with Columbia Aircraft Sales, Inc.

http://columbiaairservices.com