The Columbia Group of Aviation Companies Launch New Initiatives, New Look in Preparation for 40th Anniversary in 2020
GROTON, CT, Sept. 5, 2017 – The Columbia® group of aviation companies today launched a new company logo and several new initiatives in preparation for the FBO chain’s 40th anniversary in 2020. With a new logo already making its debut in aviation media, the new corporate look will be formally unveiled at the group’s flagship Groton-New London Airport (KGON) FBO location during the AOPA Fly-in Oct. 6-7.
Along with measures in aircraft sales, avionics capabilities, staff training and a new website, the Columbia® companies will officially unveil their new corporate logo at Groton (KGON), Rutland, VT (KRUT), and Bar Harbor, ME (KBHB). The new logo and slogan, “Because Experience Matters,” reflects the evolution of both the company group, and the general aviation industry over the past four decades. The group’s sales arm, Columbia® Aircraft Sales, Inc., will host the AOPA Fly-in, and will feature aircraft displays and a “Logo Launch Hospitality Station” with raffles and giveaways.
“2020 marks a milestone year for GA with the full implementation of ADS-B and NextGen, and a big year for Columbia,” said Co-Founder Art Maurice. “We’re planning now for that future to help our customers grow along with the industry. We’ve made significant improvements to our line, avionics and maintenance offerings, and stand truly ready to meet the needs of today’s owners and pilots, with aircraft sales offerings ranging from entry-level pistons to top-performing business turboprops including the Piper M600 and the Daher TBM series.”
“Our new look signals both change and continuity,” said Co-Founder Harry Holt. “It represents changes in technology, aircraft and General Aviation as a whole. And as those changes continue to come, it represents the Columbia group’s company-wide commitment to quality customer service, delivery of state-of-the-art aircraft, meticulous airframe, power plant and avionics support, and, above all, safety.”
The original Columbia® logo recognized the company’s passion for aviation while honoring the seafaring heritage of its home in Groton/New London, Connecticut.
The twin-engine Cheyenne aircraft and the tall ship “Columbia” each represented the essence of safe, fast and efficient travel in their times. The swept wing, empennage and winglets pictured in the new logo represent the evolution of both the Columbia® companies and aviation technology over their nearly 40 years in operation.
New and Expanded Initiatives
Aircraft Sales: Columbia® Aircraft Sales, Inc. continues to expand services to aircraft buyers through partnerships with key providers of financing, insurance, training and other areas to make aircraft purchasing as stress-free and exciting as possible. The focus of the company’s product specialists is matching the experience and goals of owners and pilots with the aircraft that best fit their missions -- from new and/or recreational pilots gaining experience by stepping up through the Piper Aircraft line, to more experienced pilots and business owners seeking greater performance and advanced features with the Piper M600 and TBM 910 and 930 high-performance turboprops. The company also supports aircraft owners and pilots transitional goals through its extensive experience in pre-owned aircraft markets.
Avionics Shop: Because avionics is one of the most important and fastest changing areas of general aviation, the Columbia® Air Services, Inc., the group’s aircraft maintenance arm, recently bolstered the capabilities of its avionics shop with a computer-controlled panel-cutting system. Aircraft owners can now clearly visualize and approve their own custom avionics panels prior to creation and installation. This is particularly important for aircraft owners who want to add value, new safety features and capabilities to proven airframes. Columbia® is now among a limited number of avionics shops in the country with such advanced, on-site service.
Staff Training and Retention: As reflected in its new tagline, “Because Experience Matters,” the company is committed to both staff retention and training. By 2020, at least six Columbia® Air Services, Inc. employees will have 30 or more years of experience with the company, representing a formidable knowledge base. Through its mentoring program, this knowledge base, together with the company’s culture of customer service, precision and safety, is systematically passed along to the company’s newer employees. The company has also launched programs for direct recruitment and support of students at regional technical schools, and scholarships for select students to receive formal A&P training.
About the Columbia® Group of Aviation Companies The Columbia® group of aviation companies (http://www.columbiaaironline.com) is an alliance of several affiliated, stand-alone, “Columbia®” branded aviation business, under common ownership and management. The Columbia® group includes Columbia® Aircraft Sales, Inc., Columbia® Air Services, Inc., and Columbia® Fuel Services, Inc., each located at the Groton-New London Airport in Groton CT (KGON); Columbia® Air Services-BHB, LLC located at the Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport in Trenton, ME (KBHB); and Columbia® Air Services-
RUT, LLC, located at the Southern Vermont Rutland Regional Airport in North Clarendon, VT (KRUT) Together, the Columbia® group provides a full range of FBO services, specializing in the sales, service and management of jet, turboprop, and piston-powered aircraft. Columbia® Aircraft Sales, Inc., is an exclusive authorized sales agent for Piper Aircraft and Daher TBM series turboprop aircraft.
