Meridian Aviation has achieved £8 million worth of new aircraft sales in the first six months of trading.

In February 2002, the Bournemouth-based company became the sole distributor of Piper Aircraft for the UK, Ireland and Spain after taking over the assets of Anglo American Airmotive. Since then, it has sold a total of eight Piper aircraft, including two PA46 500TA Meridians, two Archer IIIs, two Saratogas and two Piper Warrior IIIs.

However, Bob Berry, sales director, says that his sales and promotional team have much work to do

before they are content with their market share.

“It has been a difficult six months in which to trade given the uncertainty of the stock market and the economic climate but we know that the current range of aircraft manufactured by New Piper could help us break through all sales records for general aviation.”

Meridian expects to invest around £3 million over the next two years to develop its facilities at Bournemouth and create a blue print for sales and service in general aviation.