Sloane Helicopters has appointed Mark Abbey as operations director, where he will oversee all operational areas including maintenance, Part M, logistics, flight operations and flight training.

Having been the CEO and regional director for CHC EMEA before joining Sloane, Abbey brings a robust wealth of aviation experience spanning more than 40 years. He started as an engineering apprentice with BAE Systems before quickly progressing to executive positions, including managing director for Hampson Aerospace. During his career Abbey has developed a solid technical background, gaining invaluable operational and management experience around the world.

“I am excited to be joining such a multifaceted company as Sloane. With over 50 years of outstanding services built on trust, expertise and safety, I look forward to commencing my role as the operations director, working toward growth and increased resilience for Sloane,” says Abbey.

Chairman David George adds: “We are pleased to welcome Mark to Sloane Helicopters. His wealth of experience within the aviation industry not only strengthens but brings greater resilience to the management team. Mark’s appointment underpins the company’s long-term investments in support of its continued expansion and forthcoming growth plans. This is an exciting time for the future of Sloane.”

Founded over 51 years ago by its current chairman, Sloane Helicopters is a European onshore helicopter company providing a full suite of aviation services including engineering, flight operations and flight training. As the sole UK and Ireland distributor and authorised service centre for Leonardo Helicopters for over 27 years, Sloane has developed an unrivalled close partnership with the manufacturer and is renowned for its expertise with Leonardo products. Sloane has also been a UK and Ireland dealer for Robinson for over 46 years and operates an approved Robinson service centre.