Piper Aircraft delivered 65 aircraft in the third quarter of this year, its best-performing quarter since 2008, the company said last this week. So far this year, Piper has delivered 152 aircraft, compared to 99 over the same period last year. Deliveries of the Archer TX led the growth, with a 60 percent increase, and M-Class product line deliveries also were up, by 42 percent. “Piper’s continued growth in both product deliveries and revenue reflects sustained, managed growth and highlights our commitment to a made-to-order business model,” CEO Simon Caldecott said in Orlando.
The company also announced it’s partnering with Indian River State College, in Fort Pierce, Florida, to develop an accredited apprenticeship program in aircraft manufacturing. The two-year program will launch next summer with 10 students and grow to 20 within a year. “This program will provide the necessary training, mentoring and support enabling apprentices to successfully pursue a long-term career with growth opportunity as a Piper employee,” said Caldecott. Each apprentice will be a paid employee of Piper Aircraft and will receive a full benefits package. “An apprentice program will help ensure that Piper has a strong and agile workforce for the years to come,” Caldecott said.
