Coming off record sales and a return to profitability in 2005 -- as well as the introduction of its TBM-850 turboprop single -- EADS Socata announced its newest sales and service centers opening across the globe, as well as two new management appointments, at a press briefing earlier this week at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In.

Northwest Aircraft, a division of Intermountain Air, has been selected as EADS Socata's new aircraft distributor and service center for the Pacific Northwest, including the states of Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. Northwest is a division of Intermountain Air, already an authorized Piper distributor with 35 years experience in the sales and servicing of business aircraft.

Bill Haberstock, Northwest Aircraft president stated, "The TBM 850 is a logical extension to our existing products and we are sure it will be seen as a great choice for our customers."

The company has also opened a "factory direct" sales office at Coolangatta Airport in Queensland, Australia to support EADS Socata's TBM 850 executive turboprop. That sales center joins existing Australian facilites at Mt. Isa, Coolangatta, Bankstown, and Essendon airports.

"We are committed to increase our presence in Asia-Pacific where there is a strong interest in aviation," said Nicolas Chabbert, EADS Socata VP of Sales and Marketing.

Chabbert was recently promoted to his new title, as well, after spending nine of his 15 years in the GA industry at EADS Socata. After holding senior sales, marketing and customer service positions at Mooney Aircraft, Chabbert (below) returned to EADS Socata in 2005 as Vice President of Customer Service.

"[Chabbert] is well-known in the world of General Aviation for his extensive experience, particularly in sales, marketing and customer support," said EADS Socata Chairman and CEO Stephane Meyer. "Nicolas was responsible for much of the initial sales success of the TBM family, and his expertise and knowledge will further sharpen EADS Socata's customer focus and advance our market position worldwide."

Deputy Vice President of Customer Service Raphael Maitre has been promoted to Chabbert's former position as Vice President of the department. Maitre is a graduate of ENSAM - "Arts et Metiers", one of France's oldest engineering schools.

FMI: www.socata.eads.eu