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Blueberry Aviation is an independent aircraft trading and asset management company established in 2003. The company specializes in helicopter and commercial aircraft remarketing, trading, leasing, and sales transactions. Originally founded in Dublin, Ireland, Blueberry Aviation is now headquartered in Monaco, with additional offices in Dublin, New York, and Singapore. Over the years, Blueberry Aviation has developed a presence in the global aviation industry, offering a range of services to operators, owners, financiers, and investors in both the fixed-wing and rotary aircraft sectors.

History

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Blueberry Aviation was founded in 2003 by François Gautier in Dublin, Ireland. Gautier brought extensive experience to the company, having previously served in various management roles within the aerospace industry. He held the positions of Vice President Sales and Vice President Contracts at ATR in Toulouse, France, from 2000 to 2002. Before that, he was Senior Director with Airbus, leading the Asset Management team in the USA between 1995 and 2000. Gautier began his career in 1986 in the Treasury Division of Aerospatiale (now Airbus) based in Washington, DC.

In 2005, Aubrey Point joined Blueberry Aviation as Executive Vice President (EVP). Point played a significant role in diversifying the company’s activities by establishing a helicopter sales and services department. Prior to joining Blueberry Aviation, he worked as Sales and Support Manager for Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) in Southeast Asia, managing governmental and civilian customers in Thailand, Hong Kong, and China. Before his tenure at Eurocopter, Point had experience in various industries, including luxury goods, commodities, and high technology, where he handled worldwide markets.

In 2009, Blueberry Aviation expanded its operations by opening a sister company in Monaco, relocating part of its sales and technical staff to capitalize on organizational synergies. The company further expanded its services in 2012 by developing a second-hand helicopter spare parts sales department.

In 2016, Blueberry Aviation Americas Corporation was incorporated with offices in New York, aimed at facilitating transactions with North American clients. The company also grew its global network of commercial representatives, including key locations such as Singapore and Mumbai.

In 2022, Blueberry Aviation entered the hybrid aircraft market by signing a global partnership agreement with Swiss hybrid vertical aircraft manufacturer Dufour Aerospace. As part of this partnership, Blueberry Aviation pledged to purchasing 100 Aero2 drones and 100 Aero3 aircraft. The company also advises Dufour Aerospace on global marketing, leveraging its network of helicopter operators.

Operations and Services

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Blueberry Aviation provides a comprehensive range of services in the aviation industry, including:

Aircraft Trading and Sales

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  • Blueberry Aviation specializes in both helicopter and commercial aircraft transactions, offering services that cover the entire spectrum from sourcing to remarketing. The company averages 25-30 helicopter transactions annually and has completed more than 530 rotary aircraft transactions since its inception. In 2023 alone, its helicopter acquisitions totaled USD 88 million.

Leasing

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  • The company provides leasing solutions tailored to the needs of airlines, financiers, and lessors. Over its history, Blueberry Aviation has moved more than USD 3.5 billion worth of commercial aircraft assets and completed over 170 commercial aircraft transactions for 70 customers.

Asset Management

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  • Blueberry Aviation offers ongoing asset management services, including technical inspections, audits, and valuations for aircraft portfolios. The company has managed over USD 3.5 billion in commercial aircraft assets and USD 1.88 billion in helicopter assets since its founding.

Investment Services

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  • Blueberry Aviation supports clients in making investment decisions in the aviation sector, providing market analysis and advisory services. The company also engages in the purchase and sale of new and pre-owned aircraft and spare parts.

Technical Services

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  • The company established a second-hand helicopter spare parts sales department in 2012. Blueberry Aviation also offers technical audits, inspections, and valuations to ensure regulatory compliance and optimal asset management.

Industry Partnerships

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Blueberry Aviation is a member of several key aviation industry organizations, including:

  • ISTAT (International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading)
  • ERAA (European Regions Airline Association)
  • HAI (Helicopter Association International)
  • EBAA (European Business Aviation Association)
  • NBAA (National Business Aviation Association)

Corporate Social Responsibility

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Blueberry Aviation supports various humanitarian and charitable initiatives, particularly those focused on children in need and combating illnesses. The company has contributed to organizations such as Les Enfants de Frankie, Aviation sans Frontières, and the Institut Gustave Roussy.

Leadership

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François Gautier serves as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blueberry Aviation. Gautier is supported by Aubrey Point, the Executive Vice President.

Market Position

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Blueberry Aviation is recognized in the aviation industry for its focus on both commercial aircraft and helicopters. The company’s emphasis on providing tailored solutions have contributed to its reputation. In recent years, Blueberry Aviation has expanded into emerging markets, including the EVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) sector through its partnership with Dufour Aerospace.

References

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"Blueberry Aviation: Company Profile," Aviation Pros. Blueberry Aviation | Aviation Pros

"Blueberry Aviation Celebrates 20 Years," Aviation Pros. Blueberry Aviation Celebrates 20 Years and Its 500th Helicopter Transaction | Aviation Pros

"Q&A with François Gautier, Blueberry Aviation," Jetstream. Q&A with Francois Gautier – Blueberry Aviation | Jetcraft

"Blueberry Aviation Marks Its 20th Anniversary," Rotor Hub Blueberry Aviation marks its 20th Anniversary with USD88m in asset acquisitions - RotorHub International

"Blueberry Aviation and Dufour Aerospace Sign Partnership," Helicopter Investor. Blueberry Aviation and Dufour Aerospace sign partnership | Helicopter Investor

"Blueberry Aviation Kicks Off 2022 with Deliveries," HeliTrader. Blueberry Aviation - HeliTrader

"Blueberry Aviation in the EVTOL Market," Helicopter Investor. HI Uplift: Blueberry Aviation builds on last year’s $88m asset acquisition | Helicopter Investor