Aircraft valuation provider US-headquartered VREF Aircraft Reference Value & Appraisal Services has opened a new office for Austria and Switzerland and appointed Dr Andreas Grassl as senior appraiser for Europe.

Based in Austria, Dr Grassl brings over 30 years of aviation experience to the role. He is a practising aviation attorney with a diverse background in law, and holds a law degree from Vienna University and a master's in finance from Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration. He is fluent in German, English, French and Italian.

Prior to becoming an attorney, he worked as Austrian aviation surveyor and claims adjuster for German aviation insurance company Deutscher Luftpool. After it was dissolved in 2003 he became an independent aviation expert and aircraft appraiser.

Dr Grassl is certified under ISO/IEC 17024 as an aircraft appraiser and is currently completing his ASA accreditation. A pilot for over 35 years, he holds an EASA commercial and a FAA airline transport licence and a licence as an ICAO language proficiency examiner for German and English. He is an active member of AOPA Germany's working group AviationLaw and the Verband der Luftfahrtsachverständigen (German Association of Aviation Experts).

VREF president and CTO Jason Zilberbrand says: “Dr Grassl is a valuable addition to our growing staff. He has a unique skill set and wealth of knowledge and experience in aviation that our client base will truly benefit from.

“The year-long VREF 25th anniversary celebration will reflect on the dedication and support of VREF clients, colleagues, partners and staff who put the company today; the most trusted valuation guide in aviation.”