23 Nov 2002

CFM The new owners go public

"News from CFM

CFM AIRBORNE Inc, is based in the USA where they purchased the assets of AIRBORNE INNOVATIONS LLC, based in Texas and they have recently purchased the assets of CFM AIRCRAFT LTD.

The company is known as CFM AIRBORNE in the USA and CFM AIRBORNE(UK) Ltd in the UK. They currently have a manufacturing facility in the USA and will soon be setting up a similar facility in the UK with full production expected to resume in February. In the meantime, they can supply spare parts and take orders for aircraft from either of the 2 locations. Their priority is to continue the CAA certification of the E-Series and continue production of all the other models.

A web site is currently under design and will be active in January in the meantime the company can be contacted at: CFMAirborne@yahoo.com"

5 Nov 2002

Changes At Pegasus & Mainair

(The following communique appeared on the Microlights E-Group at 13.16 on Nov 5th)

It was announced last week that Keith Duckworth, founder of Cosworth, has bought Eileen Hudson's controlling interest in Mainair Sports Limited. As a result the Duckworth family now controls both Cyclone Airsports Limited and Mainair Sports Limited, manufacturers of Pegasus and Mainair microlights. As Chairman of both companies I thought I should reassure those who fear the worst as a result of these changes.

Most people's immediate thought is that when two companies in the same market come together it is the customer that always loses as a result of price increases and product rationalisation. Let me assure you, therefore, that this will not be the result of Pegasus and Mainair coming together.

The brands Pegasus and Mainair will remain, as will the CT, Blade, Quantum and the new Quik. Furthermore, we are already looking at the possibility of fitting the Q2 wing to the Blade or the Blade wing to the Quantum, something that would previously have been inconceivable. With regard to old products, such as the XL, Q, Flash, Alpha, AX3 and AX2000, these will still be supported. One product that will no longer be supported, however, is the Chaser, which will move to Cosmik at Deppers Bridge, under the control of Conrad & Mickey. Prices will not rise as a result of this change, although we cannot, of course, absorb any increase in the cost of our purchased materials and components. It is possible that we may be able to reduce some of our costs as a result of the reorganisation. For example, the Manton composite workshop will be increased in size to take on the production of Mainair pods, spats and other items, while all assembly and parts supply will take place at Rochdale and service and repair departments will operate from both sites. These moves can only increase efficiency after the initial reorganisation costs have been met but will also provide an opportunity to improve customer service and support, which is one area in which a real improvement can be expected. Service departments in both Rochdale and Manton will be able to support the whole product range and customer service will be given a high priority in all areas.

It is inevitable that there will be some job losses as a result of these changes, mainly because although some activities will move those responsible for carrying them out will not be happy to relocate. However, the aim of any reorganisation is not to reduce the number of employees but to improve the efficiency of the business and we expect the total number of employees to increase as sales of the Quik increase. Given the fact that a brilliant engineer now controls both companies, it will not come as a surprise to hear that one major area of change will be in Product Design. Dr Billy Brooks will head up a new company, which will be responsible for all new products. Roger Patrick will assist him in this, and the result will probably be the most powerful design team in European microlighting. From this resource will come the next generation of British microlights.

Inevitably other changes will take place that have yet to be announced. However, every foreseeable change will be aimed at improving the way in which Pegasus and Mainair serve customer needs. I think the future of British microlighting looks very good indeed as a result.

Keith Negal
Chairman
Cyclone Airsports Limited & Mainair Sports Limited