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GAL Aviation opens up shop

April 1, 2011, Quebec City - GAL Aviation Inc will begin formal operations on April 11, 2011. The company will operate in niche markets in the international VIP/ business aviation industry, with two divisions: GAL Interiors and GAL Technical.


April 1, 2011  By Carey Fredericks

The international demand for these niche products and services is very strong. Having had a proven track record in working in these areas, it was a natural evolution for GAL to join forces with experienced aviation leaders to deliver high quality products and services.

“The large-cabin business aircraft segment has been the first to climb out of the recent recession,” says GAL Aviation president Guy Lapierre. “With key financing already in place, we feel the opportunity is there to become an important player in this niche market. Full-scale marketing is now ramping up, internationally.”

The company specializes in customized woodwork, monuments and concepts for large cabin aircraft. Its expertise in production has been honed by, among other things, the manufacture of thousands of components for the Bombardier Aerospace Global platform aircraft and Airbus ACJ VVIP A320s. With quality and reliability a major part of the company’s ethos, GAL dedicates itself to delivering a quality product on time, every time.

Lapierre is the founder and owner of the GAL Power group of companies, which specializes in the electric generator/compressor equipment rental market across North America. The aviation services company will ultimately employ 60 skilled craftsmen at its fully equipped 40,000 square foot facilities in St-Joseph de Beauce, near Quebec City, and will also operate an administration and sales office in Montreal.

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The key executives reporting to Lapierre include Marc St. Hilaire, VP sales and business development; VP operations, Jacques Bernier; and Mark Dods, VP finance.

The new venture will undertake a number of aviation activities including the development of a manufacturing workshop for corporate aircraft and VIP airliner interiors refurbishment.. It will also carry out training in the particular trades associated with this activity; the provision of “Aircraft on Ground” (“AOG”) and Mobile Repair Personnel (“MRP”) services for OEMs as well as provision of outsourced nose-to-tail specialized technical resources. The capabilities will encompass both VIP airliners and business jets.

GAL Interiors specializes in the computer-assisted design, engineering, manufacture and certification of cabin components for business, private and VIP aircraft, for retrofit and ‘green’ installation. Specifically, the company will focus on galleys, lavatories, cabin lining and monuments, and sheet metal and machining departments enabling in-house structural component manufacturing and finishing, electronic devices and cable installation. The company will also provide certification and documentation services to FAA, TC and EASA standards. Engineering and design for all equipment will also meet these international standards.

GAL Technical will provide consulting /outsourcing services in the field of business, corporate, VIP airliners and commercial aircraft. Included in its offering will be entry-into-service support; maintenance planning and control; technical and project management support for airframe heavy maintenance; quality control and records management; engineering and maintenance programs; aircraft interiors removal, refurbishment and reinstallation; maintenance administration and training, and AOG & warranty programs.

The company will also supply mobile repair parties and Authorised Service Providers to Airbus, Bombardier Aerospace, ATR and Fedex. GAL Aviation also meets AS9102 accreditation standards, NADCAP status and AMO repair station certification basis.

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