The man who launched the UK’s Meridian Aviation after taking over the assets of Bournemouth-based Anglo American Automotive in February 2002, Jeff Carr, is stepping down as managing director.

New investors are now taking over the group.

General aviation has been rife with rumours regarding Meridian since New Piper Aircraft terminated the

UK and Spanish sole distributorship in April, leaving the company with the UK and Spanish distributorships of Swiss manufacturers Pilatus Aircraft and TAE’s Centurion 1.7 diesel engine.

Carr is not surprised by the speculation as plans to sell a major share of the £20 million turnover group, he says, have been known to some people within the industry for more than six months.

He will remain an investor but will no longer be responsible for the day-to-day running of the business which last year sold more than £17.1 million worth of new aircraft.

“I am unable to comment on the future of the Piper distributorship at present,” said Carr. “The company is continuing to successfully market Pilatus Aircraft and the Centurion 1.7 diesel engine.”

The new shareholders, Aircraft Funding International, led by David Stark, say that they in no way regard the £3,000,000 investment in the company as a rescue package but respect Jeff Carr’s decision to move on to other business ventures.