Bournemouth-based Meridian Aviation, UK, Ireland and Spanish distributors for both New Piper Aircraft and the Swiss aircraft manufacturers Pilatus, has been restructured to become the Meridian Group.

Jeff Carr is the managing director and main shareholder who formed Meridian Aviation in February 2002 to take over the assets of the original company, Anglo American Airmotive. He says that the formation of the Meridian Group makes common sense to ensure the long-term stability of the aircraft sales, engineering and flight operations divisions which last year turned over £20 million.

Meanwhile, Meridian says it will be part of the vip exhibition for the London Air Show to be held at Earls Court in London. In addition, the company will again be a major sponsor and one of the larger exhibitors of Aerofair at North Weald in May.

Sales director at Meridian Bob Berry said: “We will also be attending other GA events during the year. In 2003, a total of £17.1 million of new aircraft sales was achieved.”

Berry adds that there’s no reason why this should not be well exceeded this year. He said: “We have entered the year with a strong order book. Many taking advantage of the low dollar rate, with interest for fleet orders from flying schools and for the top of the range models for corporate owners for business utilisation.”