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Shanghai, China, November 22nd, 2021 — Mentis Aviation Group (MAG) announced it has entered into an agreement with KP Aviation (KPA), a Mesa, Arizona-based aviation company, to partner in parts distribution around China for KP Aviation, and sourcing of aircraft and engines to process through MAG’s Tear Down and Recycling facility in Hefei City, China.  The partnership withContinue reading “Mentis Aviation Group and KP Aviation Team Up for Aircraft, Engine and Parts Sourcing & Distribution”

Inc. Magazine Reveals Annual List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies—the Inc. 5000

NEW YORK, August 17, 2021 – Inc. magazine today revealed that KP Aviation is No. 4056 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“KP Aviation was founded shortly before the devastation of 9/11 and is no stranger to navigating murky waters,” says KP Aviation CEO, Kim Schulze. “While the pandemic was particularly humbling for the aviation industry, our team took it as another opportunity to gain perspective and persist through difficult times. We successfully pivoted under pressure and are proud of our financial achievements over the last year, showing a growth of 175%.”

Not only have the companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but this year’s list also proved especially resilient and flexible given 2020’s unprecedented challenges. Among the 5,000, the average median three-year growth rate soared to 543 percent, and median revenue reached $11.1 million. Together, those companies added more than 610,000 jobs over the past three years.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc., which will be available on news stands on August 20th.

“The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis we’ve lived through is just plain amazing. This kind of accomplishment comes with hard work, smart pivots, great leadership, and the help of a whole lot of people.”

Hiring of industry vet in new position marks another key milestone in KPA’s efforts to expand their capabilities and services.

Ben Gifford, the new Vice President of Sales – Airframe for KP Aviation
RENO, Nevada., July 12, 2021 – Today, KP Aviation (KPA) announced that they have welcomed Ben Gifford as the Vice President of Sales – Airframe, a new position within the company. Gifford is joining KPA from Stratton Aviation where he served as Vice President of Major Accounts. A veteran of the aviation industry, Gifford is bringing a decade plus of experience to the KP Aviation team.

“Over the last five years, KPA has been working towards the goal of broadening our product offerings and improving our acquisition close ratio; We are buying the complete aircraft not just the engines. With this trajectory, we recognized the need for additional senior leadership and expertise to focus specifically on airframe material sales,” said KP Aviation’s COO, Mike Lantz regarding the new position. “Ben’s sales career accomplishments, industry relationships, and diverse skill set make him the perfect candidate to lead our newly established role as Vice President of Sales –Airframe,” CEO, Kim Schulze added.

Before pursuing a career in aviation, Gifford earned his BA in Economics from Fairfield University. During his successful tenure, Gifford has had consistently increasing responsibilities attributed to his technical knowledge, strategic mind, data driven approach, and problem-solving ability. Multifaceted, Gifford has acquired a diverse sales background ranging from e-based client services to maintenance and repair and is currently tackling aftermarket material sales.

“KPA has assembled a team of professionals who bring extensive industry knowledge, unique skill sets and a no quit attitude. With the companies’ strong core philosophies, the go getter mentality of each team member, and the approach of senior leaderships, it was easy for me to recognize that KPA is truly investing in their customers. Ultimately, these are all key elements needed to support our current customers and grow our market share with new customers for years to come.”

— Ben Gifford on his choice to join KP Aviation

Authoritative Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine has taken a look at how the recovery will impact commercial aviation, forecasting what will be “in” and what will be “out”.

Here are the forecasts:

In: short-haul low-cost airlines

Out: long-haul low-cost airlines

In: Airbus A350

Out: Airbus A380

In: Boeing 777-300ER

Out: Boeing 777X

In: Boeing 787

Out: Airbus A330neo

In: Airbus A321XLR

Out: Boeing 737-9/10

In a clear sign that the US public is coming back to air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has revealed that this week was the best for passenger throughput since last March. While this is a positive sign, the passenger traffic is still around 40% lower than 2019. The current traffic level are still significantly below the breakeven point for the US airlines.