Glasair president and CEO Mikael Via has decided to leave the company after its recent sale to Jilin Hanxing Group, a China-based conglomerate, ending a tenure that saw a successful resurgence for the kitplane maker.
Replacing Via at the helm of Glasair Aviation are its new president, Nigel Mott, previously the vice president of operations, and Scott Taylor, who was promoted from general manager to vice president of operations.
In the wake of the sale, the company’s new Chinese owner has formed Glasair Aviation USA LLC in Arlington, Washington, as the operating entity for Glasair’s product lines. In a statement, Jilin Hanxing Group chairman Fang Tieji said he plans to invest substantially in Glasair’s existing product lines, starting with certifying the popular Sportsman design. In addition, he announced plans to substantially grow Glasair Aviation USA by buying additional airframe designs and other aviation companies.
The new owner says there are no plans to relocate or terminate any current Glasair Aviation employees and that it will retain Glasair’s U.S. headquarters, revamped management team and workforce.
