Press Release
Issued by AXON Aviation Group.
May 4, 2010
AXON Aviation Group today officially announced its foundation. The London-based management consultancy firm provides innovative turnkey services to the business aviation market worldwide.
Business aviation experts Niki Rokni and Guy Burden created AXON Aviation Group in response to the need to address transactional issues facing both business jet owners (particularly those with distressed assets and/or in negative equity) and prospective buyers. Inspired by best practices widely used in commercial aviation, where operators routinely lease aircraft, AXON Aviation Group has differentiated itself with a comparable service offering tailored to business aviation.
AXON Aviation Group offers individuals and companies interested in acquiring private jets all the required tools to complete a leasing transaction. This solution is particularly interesting to clients requiring interim lift, full confidentiality and flexibility to purchase at a later date. At the same time, they will always have the option to fly their own aircraft.
"In the last 18 months, with the decline in aircraft valuations, there has been an increasing need for a solution allowing aircraft sellers to reduce financial exposure," said Niki Rokni, Partner, AXON Aviation Group. "Examples include financial institutions holding repossessed aircraft and owners with negative equity (when loan amount exceeds market value). Under these conditions, owners are satisfied to recover interest costs. Similarly, prospective buyers are now looking for financing alternatives that are not subject to recently augmented disclosure. However, asset finance is no longer readily available through banks, thus aircraft leasing is an attractive option for all," Ms. Rokni added.
"In my many years as a business aircraft sales executive, I have encountered numerous prospective clients who wanted their own aircraft but were not yet willing to undertake full ownership," said Guy Burden, Partner, AXON Aviation Group. "And now, finally, we are able to offer the market a turnkey solution. Specific services we offer include: aircraft acquisition, analysis, wet and dry lease options, contract and finance advice, audits of operators, interim lift and forensic accounting. Initial interest has been so strong that we have already signed two leases," Mr. Burden concluded.
