by admin on Apr 25, 2012, under Leading Edge Aviation News, Leading Edge Aviation Press Release, leading edge aviation services
After 75 Years, airline says goodbye to legendary namesake, converting entire fleet to new United Livery.
Costa Mesa, Calif., APRIL 25, 2012 —Leading Edge Aviation Services (LEAS), the largest commercial and military aircraft painting company in the world, celebrated the end of an era today, as it converts the world’s last remaining Continental aircraft to the newly merged United livery. A fixture of the skies since 1937, Continental grew to become one of America’s largest commercial carriers before announcing its merger with United in 2010. Since then, Leading Edge has worked around the clock to transition the entire fleet of 345 aircraft to its new look, completing a steady stream of aircraft from painting facilities in Texas, Mississippi, and California.
“We’re honored to be a part of this historic moment as we say goodbye to one of the oldest and most celebrated brands in aviation history,” said Mike Manclark, President and CEO, LEAS. “Since before WWII, Continental has been a part of the American fabric, shaping the way we travel for more than 75 years. With both domestic and international service, few airlines impacted as many travelers for as many years as Continental. It’s a truly remarkable story.”
The final Continental aircraft, a Boeing 737, is scheduled to be completed on April 26th in Amarillo, TX. It marks the second major fleet transition for Leading Edge, which also converted more than 500 aircraft for the recent Delta/Northwest merger. In all, Leading Edge painted more than 550 aircraft last year, more than any other company in the world.
“Completing this project was a major accomplishment for Leading Edge, and a true team effort,” added Manclark. “Since 2010, at least one freshly-painted aircraft has emerged from our hangars virtually every day with fresh United livery. Four facilities worked day and night to make it happen, often supporting 11 lines of aircraft painting at a single time. It’s a testament to both our capacity and our drive. Although it’s hard to say goodbye to such an historic American icon, we’re thrilled to be a part of its reinvention as the new United.”
About Leading Edge Aviation Services
Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California with state-of-the-art facilities nationwide, Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc. is the largest, most advanced commercial and military aircraft painting company in the world. Founded in 1989, the company’s undeniable success is attributed to its strong vision and a continuous commitment to quality and excellence. Today, Leading Edge delivers an extensive range of commercial services including aircraft interior and exterior painting, OEM production coatings application support, mod-center painting services support, VVIP aircraft interior completions and exterior paint, aviation graphics, aircraft weighing, long- and short-term aircraft storage, field audits, fleet assessments, interior deep cleaning, and aircraft exterior wash and polish. For more information, visit our web site at www.leadingedgecorp.com.
by admin on Nov 21, 2008, under Leading Edge Aviation Press Release
Company Solidifies Position as Partner of Choice with Major Production Achievement at Victorville, CA Facility
(VICTORVILLE, CA) November 21, 2008 – Leading Edge Aviation Services (LEAS), the largest commercial aircraft painting company in the world, announced today that it has reached an unprecedented commercial services milestone by painting the 600th aircraft for Continental Airlines in its advanced Victorville, CA facility. Since first partnering with Continental in 1994, LEAS has emblazoned virtually every kind of aircraft – from Md-80 to 777 with the airline’s now famous blue and gold branding at its state-of-the-art aircraft paint shop.
“This is a remarkable achievement that’s truly unmatched in today’s aircraft services industry,” said Mike Manclark, CEO, LEAS. “No other company in the world has completed as many aircraft as we have, and at the highest level of quality and safety that we have. We are honored to have worked with Continental for the past two decades, and look forward to continue growing with them as their partner of choice in the many years ahead.”
As one of Continental’s longest-standing vendors, LEAS has emerged as the world leader in the commercial aircraft painting industry with consistent delivery, dedication to its customers, and commitment to innovation. Able to meet even the most aggressive scheduling requests both on-time and on-budget; the company has become the go-to choice for leading airlines such as Continental, which has contracted LEAS through 2014.
“In today’s challenging business climate, airlines need to know their partners have the facilities and ability to improve turn times and accommodate their ever-changing schedules,” added Manclark. “That’s what sets us apart. Whether its one plane or four planes, we can work with any schedule, any plane, and deliver it on any timeline. We thank our employees at our Victorville and other aircraft painting facilities for their continued hard work and focus on quality that has made this remarkable milestone possible.”
For more information, please visit www.LeadingEdgeCorp.com.
About Leading Edge Aviation Services
Headquartered in Santa Ana, CA with facilities across the United States, Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc. is one of the most advanced, commercial aircraft services companies in the world. Specializing in commercial, private, and military aircraft painting, the company also provides a wide range of commercial services, including fuel system, mod-center support, contract labor, line-turn maintenance, composite and sheet metal, long and short term aircraft storage, field audits, fleet assessments, interior deep cleaning, and strip and painting services to various branches of the United States Military. For more information, visit www.LeadingEdgeCorp.com.
###
For interview opportunities, contact:
Dave Patterson
Leading Edge Aviation Services
(714) 556-0576
