Who Owns Piper Aircraft?
Piper Aircraft is a well-established and renowned manufacturer of general aviation aircraft, with a rich history dating back to 1927. Founded by William T. Piper, the company has produced over 160,000 aircraft to date, serving the global aviation community for nearly a century. With its headquarters in Vero Beach, Florida, USA, Piper Aircraft is an iconic brand in the world of general aviation. So, who owns Piper Aircraft?
The Direct Answer
Piper Aircraft is currently owned by Teca Aerospace, a Mexican conglomerate with a strong presence in the aerospace industry. Teca Aerospace acquired Piper Aircraft in 2013, marking a significant shift in the company’s ownership and direction.
Background and History
Before its acquisition by Teca Aerospace, Piper Aircraft had several owners throughout its history. Here’s a brief overview:
- William T. Piper (1927-1937): Piper Aircraft was founded by William T. Piper, an entrepreneur and aviation enthusiast. During this period, the company produced its first aircraft, the Piper J-3 Cub.
- Piper Aircraft Corporation (1937-1957): In 1937, Piper Aircraft was incorporated, and the company continued to grow, introducing new models such as the Piper PA-24 and Piper PA-25.
- Becker-Manning Corporation (1957-1965): In 1957, Piper Aircraft was acquired by Becker-Manning Corporation, a conglomerate with diverse interests.
- American Brands (1965-1986): In 1965, Becker-Manning Corporation merged with American Brands, a holding company with a focus on diversified industries.
- E.M. Warburg & Co. (1986-1991): In 1986, American Brands sold Piper Aircraft to E.M. Warburg & Co., an investment firm.
- Chao Family (1991-2013): In 1991, E.M. Warburg & Co. sold Piper Aircraft to the Chao family, a private investment group.
The Teca Aerospace Era (2013-Present)
In 2013, Teca Aerospace, a Mexican conglomerate with a strong presence in the aerospace industry, acquired Piper Aircraft. Under Teca Aerospace’s ownership, the company has continued to evolve, focusing on innovation and expansion.
Teca Aerospace’s Vision for Piper Aircraft
Under Teca Aerospace’s leadership, Piper Aircraft has undergone significant changes, with a focus on:
- Innovation: Introducing new technologies and design innovations to stay ahead in the competitive general aviation market.
- Expansion: Growing the company’s presence globally, with a focus on emerging markets.
- Product Development: Continuing to develop and improve Piper’s product line, with a focus on meeting evolving customer needs.
Product Line and Market Presence
Piper Aircraft is a well-established manufacturer of general aviation aircraft, with a product line that includes:
- Piper M-Class: A line of high-performance, single-engine aircraft, including the PA-28 and PA-32.
- Piper S-Class: A line of single-engine aircraft, including the PA-24 and PA-28.
- Piper Meridian: A turboprop aircraft, suitable for both personal and business use.
Piper Aircraft has a significant presence in the global general aviation market, with a network of dealers, distributors, and service centers worldwide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Piper Aircraft is currently owned by Teca Aerospace, a Mexican conglomerate with a strong presence in the aerospace industry. With its rich history and commitment to innovation, Piper Aircraft remains a leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft, serving customers around the world.
Table: Piper Aircraft Product Line
| Model | Type | Seating | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA-28 | Single-Engine | 3-4 | 800 nm |
| PA-32 | Single-Engine | 4-6 | 1,000 nm |
| PA-24 | Single-Engine | 2-4 | 500 nm |
| PA-28R | Single-Engine | 3-4 | 1,000 nm |
| Meridian | Turboprop | 6-8 | 1,500 nm |
Bullets List: Piper Aircraft’s Strengths
• Innovation: Piper Aircraft is known for its commitment to innovation, introducing new technologies and design innovations to stay ahead in the competitive general aviation market.
• Global Presence: Piper Aircraft has a significant presence in the global general aviation market, with a network of dealers, distributors, and service centers worldwide.
• Rich History: Piper Aircraft has a rich history dating back to 1927, with over 160,000 aircraft produced to date.
• Product Line: Piper Aircraft offers a wide range of general aviation aircraft, including single-engine, turboprop, and multi-engine models.
• Customer Support: Piper Aircraft is known for its customer support, providing assistance and services to its global customer base.
