The following represents a series of business development events assisted by Connect Communications as clients transition from small companies to large utilizing marketing communications and strategy.
Ibis Aerospace dissolved when AIDC Taiwan investment ended in late 2007 → Aircraft Integrated Solutions of Cork, Ireland, later purchased the Ibis Aerospace assets including Ae270 Type Certificate EASA.A.060 issued December 2005, to Aero Vodochody, Czech Republic.
AIS’s initial aircraft program was established in 2016, via securitisation of a newly certified utility aircraft program, as acquired from globally recognized aerospace entities, Aero Vodochody Aerospace a.s. (Czech Republic) and AIDC (Taiwan). To deliver this aircraft program and establish its presence in the global market, Aircraft Integrated Solutions (AIS) Ltd, UK was founded.
- Mike Taylor / Connect Communications was the creator/archivist for Ibis Aerospace and Ae270 “Spirit” Propjet marketing communications.
Aviation Finance Group operated originally as a separate entity → PNC Bank acquired Aviation Finance Group in August 2004, and rebranded the entity PNC Aviation Finance in 2005. PNC finances over $1 billion in aircraft loans each year.
Aviation Finance Group (AFG) was formed in 1998 as a private aircraft lender. AFG created the original asset-based corporate aircraft financing program. PNC Aviation Finance is a leading provider of corporate aircraft financing. Our suite of flexible financing solutions is uniquely designed to meet the needs of sophisticated corporate aircraft owners.
- Connect Communications produced branding and trade show materials for both Aviation Finance Group and PNC Aviation Finance, 2005-2006.
Redline Aviation, founded by Linn Kastan in southern California, transitioned from hand-operated towing assist devices to power-driven units in 2007. redlineaviation.com
Redline Aviation is a producer and distributor of personal aircraft accessories, notably power drivers (for moving small aircraft), tow bars and maintenance equipment.
- Connect Communications developed image marketing and ad creative “Ready Redline” for the company’s hand-operated units, 2006.
Alcor, founded in 1957 by Al Hundere in San Antonio, Texas, shifted focus to dealer sales of its aircraft probes, sensors, instruments in December 2011 → Alcor was subsequently acquired by the brand hub Tempest Aero Group, and later Vance Street Capital private equity with $5–6 million in annual revenues. alcoraero.com
Serving as the hub that brings six brands together, Tempest Aero Group offers sales and marketing support to our affiliate companies – Tempest, Alcor, Marvel-Schebler, Precision Airmotive, Consolidated Fuel Systems, and Stratus Tool Technologies – all serve as independent companies and brands with manufacturing facilities in Burlington, NC, San Antonio, TX and Arlington, WA.
- Connect Communications developed an eCommerce website and produced marketing communications for Alcor, 2009–2010.
Teledyne-Continental Motors and Mattituck Services were acquired, leading to employee attrition → Continental Aerospace Technologies of Fairhope/Mobile, Alabama, rebranded when AVIC acquired the divisions from Teledyne Technologies in December 2010. Continental Aerospace Technologies maintains a market capitalization of approximately $1.28 billion.
AVIC (Aviation Industry Corporation of China) is a Chinese state-owned aerospace and defense conglomerate, and also owner of aircraft manufacturer Cirrus.
- Connect Communications produced graphics and promotional materials, 2009–2010, for both Continental Motors and Mattituck Services through partnerships realized as the engine supplier to American Legend Aircraft Company.
Tanis Aircraft Products was led by Bob Krueger, 2nd company owner (after Peter Tanis who patented a series of aircraft engine preheat systems), prior to his retirement and sold Tanis to investor Doug Evink → Hartzell Propeller purchased Tanis from Evink in July 2021.
Hartzell Propeller is a subsidiary of Arcline Investment Management, a growth-oriented private equity firm focused on Critical Suppliers to Critical Industries. Arcline is also the parent company of Hartzell Engine Technologies.
- Connect Communications developed eCommerce website, PR, print ads, trade shows, catalogs, Heli-Expo video, and other marketing communications materials leading to the sale and subsequent Hartzell acquisition.
Protec Construction Services & Supply (buyout) → Harrington Industrial Plastics (national distributor), a privately held company with revenues over $100 million and acquired by Bain Capital in 2023.
Harrington has been a leading distributor of industrial products for corrosive and high purity applications since 1959.
- Connect Communications developed an eCommerce website/catalog for Protec leading to the Harrington acquisition in 2011.
JT Power (buyout) August 2012 → Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) based in UK and Florida.
WLFC is the premier independent jet engine lessor in the commercial finance space. WLFC also offers end-of-life solutions for aviation materials and services related to aircraft engines, and provides best-in-class fleet management, aviation consultancy, and technical services solutions.
- Connect Communications produced branding, logo design, corporate imaging, and website development prior to the WLFC acquisition in April 2022
- Connect Communications also developed branding and a website for JT Power business partner Aviation Management.
Gardner Aviation (buyout) July 2013 → Precision Aviation Group, operating as Precision Aircraft Services, purchased Gardner Aviation located at Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field. Held by private equity firm GenNx360, PAG generates approximately $27 million in annual revenues.
Precision Aviation Group (PAG) is a leading provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and value-added services to the aerospace and defense industries. PAS offers both a hangar facility and repair station, and is an Authorized Service Center for many manufacturers.
Gardner-Lowe Aviation Services was established in 2017, following the purchase of Lowe Aviation also located at Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field. In 2025, the company added a 2nd location in Sheridan, Wyoming – gardneravs.com
- Connect Communications produced print catalogs, marketing communications, and developed eCommerce / corporate websites for both Gardner companies.
Turbine Aircraft Services (TAS) and Turbine Aircraft Marketing → Mitsubishi Heavy Industries assumed responsibilities of TAS (following contract dissolution) and moved MU-2 aircraft (over 177 on FAA registry) support to the MHIA owned service center. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries market capitalization is approximately $90 billion.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc. supports aircraft and aerospace efforts including the MU-2 and MU-300 at our long-time authorized Mitsubishi Service Center, Intercontinental Jet Service Corp. in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
- Connect Communications produced print ads, MU-2 Magazine, and marketing communications for TAS, TAM and MHIA, 2004–2015, 11+ years.
Bruce’s Custom Covers (marketing manager attrition) → Operated by Bruce and Heather Perch – aircraftcovers.com
The Original and World’s Finest Aircraft Covers for Airplanes, Jets, Helicopters, Gliders and QEC Off-link Jet Engines.
- Connect Communications produced print ads, marketing communications, and provided trade show support 2012–2016.
American Legend Aircraft Company (management restructuring) → Operated by c0-founder Darin (and Randi) Hart, over 229 aircraft on FAA registry – legend.aero
American Legend Aircraft Company was founded expressly to develop a light-sport certified version of the venerable Piper Cub airplane. From the outset, it was determined that these beloved aircraft were so pure in their design and so honest in their handling that something must be done to keep them flying.
- Connect Communications provided comprehensive marketing communications support from Fall 2005–Jan 2022, 16+ years.
Bearhawk Aircraft was sold by founder Mark Goldberg in March 2024 → New owners Virgil and Mackenzie Irwin relocated distribution to Fairview, Oklahoma – bearhawkaircraft.com
We provide the most capable and rugged aircraft on the market. Simple as that. Nothing can match the performance, safety and utility. Bearhawks are built to last the journey for this generation and the next.
- Connect Communications provided comprehensive marketing communications support from Feb 2014–Mar 2024, 10 years.
Avionics Services International / Platinum Aviation (owner Ronny Salamon retirement) → Ryan Busby assumed management – avionicsservices.net
ASI was established in 1988 by Ronny Salamon. Based at San Antonio International Airport (KSAT), ASI is experienced with aircraft of all sizes, from light pistons to business jets. Capabilities include equipment installation, repair, replacement, diagnostics and certification. ASI works with MROs, fleet operators, and individual aircraft owners. As an authorized Garmin dealer, ASI provides sales, service and installation.
- Connect Communications provided comprehensive marketing communications and PR support, Dec 2022–Nov 2024.
FlyItalia MD3 Rider (Dovera/Milan, Italy) 2011 → Next Aircraft (Rivanazzano Terme/Milan) 2013 → SD Aviation (Mornago-Varese/Milan) founded 2023 – originally gryfair.cz
SD Aviation Srl’s aim was to acquire three legendary aircraft manufacturing companies that had ceased production in Italy and to reintroduce them to the global aviation sector.
Pyka Design → Schwartz Engineering → Dee Howard → Fairchild Aircraft → Aviart → Gore Design Completions → Jet Aviation
Schwartz Engineering → Hooks Industrial → Shamrock → Valero