AVIAA, the world’s only group purchasing organization specializing in business aviation, is back at EBACE, Europe’s biggest business aviation gathering (20-23 May), a year after its formal debut, as it continues its global expansion. Managing Director EMEA Irena Deville leads AVIAA’s participation this year. “This show is valuable as we focus on adding more supply partners across all spending categories and expand our geographical reach,” she said.
AVIAA is also pleased to be introducing a new Chairman of the Board, Les Popiolek, veteran of the healthcare and technology industries, with 25 years’ experience in group purchasing. Les has held leadership roles in data, analytics, procurement, and sourcing, currently serving as COO of Valify, a major GPO technology platform for health care providers. EBACE marks his aviation debut.
Since its formal launch in May 2018, AVIAA has grown to embrace nearly 500 aircraft (principally Part 135 operators flying internationally); over 70 supply partners and nearly 150 international FBO locations. It has added a new European office in Munich, Germany, now headed by Deville, whose former UK-based GPO business Convolus was acquired by AVIAA in January.
“We have enjoyed a strong 12 months and the acquisition of Convolus gave us a solid platform to expand our footprint in Europe and partner with more international suppliers.” said AVIAA CEO Gillian Hayes. “The arrival of Les Popiolek into the business, a renowned strategist with exceptional business acumen and broad expertise in group purchasing, will serve us well.”
AVIAA’s current member fleet is made up of North American, European, and Middle Eastern operators, but with their expanding international supply chain has started to garner interest from Asia and Africa as well. It is also growing its presence in the Middle East, working with notable industry partners such as Jetex Flight Support.
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