The UK, Ireland and Spain sole distributor for New Piper Aircraft Inc has announced that 2000 has been a record year for new Piper sales. The team at Bournemouth International Airport based Anglo American Airmotive has now sold 30 New Piper Aircraft, as compared with 20 in 1999.

Marketing director for Anglo American John Norris says that there are still other buyers waiting to sign but they are awaiting allocations from the Florida factory. He added: "We are pleased to have remained one of Piper's top Euro distributors.

"The fact that Piper produces a wider range of competitively priced aircraft than any other GA civil manufacturer obviously gives us an advantage."

While at the top end, a total of seven Malibu Mirage aircraft have been delivered, Norris admits that he is disappointed at just the one new Seneca V sale, although three pre-owned Vs have been sold.

"Compared to other twins on the market," he said "the Seneca represents excellent value and greatly improved performance over the previous models."

In order to cope with the extra demand for space and the expanding maintenance and avionics centre, AAA has doubled the size of its main hangar with a £300,000 extension.