Bournemouth based Meridian Aviation Ltd, the sole distributor of Piper Aircraft for the UK, Ireland and Spain, has seen Piper aircraft parts sales boost by 20 per cent in the first four months of operation compared to the same period last year.

Increased demand across the UK has led to the parts team recruiting additional personnel. Paul Randall, parts division sales executive, said: “We are expecting to exceed one million pounds in parts sales in the year 2002.

“Demand has come not only from general wear and tear, but also from owners wishing to refurbish their aircraft.”