Aircraft dealer SmartJets and sister company VIP Completions have opened new facilities at Fort Lauderdale International airport and appointed Manny Kapranos as director of sales and marketing for both companies.

The move to newly-built facilities at 1460/70 SW 43rd Street, on the southwest side of the airport, provides SmartJets and VIP Completions with a combined 4,400 sq ft of purpose-built client hospitality and executive office space, adjacent to a state-of-the-art 15,500 sq ft hangar, capable of accommodating the latest generation of long-range business aircraft, including the Bombardier Global 7500. A second identical 15,500 sq ft hangar is also available for overflow as needed. Additionally, the companies have acquired a nearby 9,500 sq ft workshop and warehouse location.

Positioned within the perimeter of a major international airport, the new location offers proximity to top-tier OEM maintenance facilities, and the comfort and discretion expected by a discerning clientele.

Industry veteran Kapranos has joined the SmartJets and VIP Completions team as director of sales and marketing. Based in the companies' new Montreal office, Kapranos will be responsible for sales and marketing. He brings 12 years of international business aviation experience to his new role, including a decade at Bombardier Aerospace, where he held several senior titles.

“We are proud to announce our relocation, which represents the next chapter in the growth and development of both companies,” says Ben Shirazi, president, SmartJets and VIP Completions. “Building on our success, it was the right time to invest. We are now better positioned to serve existing and prospective clients. It is an outstanding location and a brand new state-of-the-art facility, offering easy access to Bombardier and Embraer service centres and adjacent to FLL's international terminal.

“It was also the right time to strengthen our sales and marketing team. Manny brings an impressive track record and a wealth of industry knowledge to his new role. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated commitments to quality, integrity, teamwork and service. On behalf of the entire team, I would like to wish Manny a warm welcome,” concludes Shirazi.