MRO provider and parts dealer Elliott Aviation has hired Rafael Garcia as international parts sales representative. Garcia joins Elliott with over 20 years of aviation experience, including 15 years of international parts sales experience.

He was most recently a sales associate for Southeast Aerospace, where he was in charge of sales and marketing for Latin America. He has also held international sales positions at Aero-Marine Technologies, Global Parts and Newco Aviation.

He will be responsible for all international parts sales and growing the company's international parts presence.

“Rafael has tremendous experience in international parts sales,” says Joe Stanley, parts sales manager. “He has an in-depth knowledge of aircraft operations, systems, spare parts servicing and supply. He also has an excellent track record of growing relationships with international customers.” Garcia is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Elliott has also hired Stan Melling as general manager of its Minneapolis facility, located at Flying Cloud airport. Melling joins Elliott Aviation with over 30 years of aviation experience managing many different disciplines, including maintenance, production and sales.

Most recently director of special projects for ModTruss, Melling led the development, implementation and promotion of ModTruss Structures' maintenance, inspection and warranty programme. Prior to his experience at ModTruss, he held several positions at Embraer, including acting VP of operations, senior director of production and programme manager. Earlier in his career, he was an aircraft mechanic at Elliott Aviation's FCM facility. He is an A&P and private pilot and will be responsible for overseeing all scheduled and unscheduled events at Elliott Aviation's Minneapolis facility. This includes the day-to-day operations and customer interaction.

“Stan has a great background leading large teams in aviation,” says Elliott CEO Greg Sahr. “He also has leadership experience in other industries that can help innovate the way we operate. Combined with his leadership experience, his background as an A&P and private pilot give him a well-rounded background to grow our operations in Minneapolis.”