Two decades complete
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Posted Date: 16/09/2008
Issue: Executive & VIP Aviation International October 2008
Publication: Executive & VIP Aviation International
EVA Is the top end of the market – such as Boeing aircraft completions – impervious to the credit crunch?
SB No, because we are providing interiors for high net worth individuals, our current VIP projects are for individuals in oil related regions. As the world economy grows, ultimately so do the fortunes of wealthy individuals. However, there are more billionaires being created than ever before in emerging markets such as India and Russia.
EVA From a market perspective, is it your expectation that the global market will continue to be strong even if markets regionally might be impacted?
SB Essentially, the global market is comprised of economic growth in emerging markets such as the CIS, and the Middle East, and these are the markets from which we have the greatest demand. Another factor that is advantageous for GTI is the weak dollar. That being said, the growth rate of the emerging economies seems to continue un-flagged.
EVA Why – in your 20-year history – have you focused exclusively on Boeing aircraft? Has this to do with the experience of your founders, your location, the market?
SB Our roots are tied to Boeing, because our founders were Boeing employees. Jon Buccola, who is one of the original founders and still acts as the Chief Executive Officer, owns this privately held company. Our business model is closely tied to Boeing in that we are also engineering oriented. GTI has a strong reputation for its extensive engineering capabilities and follows a process driven approach to completions. The majority of GTI’s workforce has either been employed at Boeing or has an intimate knowledge of the Company through past experience at related companies. This has allowed GTI to develop a strong understanding and familiarity with the Boeing aircraft platforms and engineering driven military heritage. Though we work as a turn-key provider for Boeing completions and have track record with VIP customers, the company has become an internationally renowned player in the market.
EVA Is there risk attached to working with one airframer or comfort in that there is a certain amount of commonality and lengthy experience?
SB GTI works with six different divisions of Boeing from Integrated Defense Systems, which focuses on Military projects to Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) where we provide complete turn-key interiors.
EVA Are aircraft security systems an area to which you have to pay increasing attention?
SB Since 9/11, GTI has been involved in numerous completions where state-of-the-art security systems were prioritised. Since that time, every BBJ that we have completed has included elaborate security systems. Our clients typically require such security in everything they do.
EVA Are you developing your own systems in this area or perhaps working with partners to deliver such systems to your clients?
SB We use security systems that are developed by companies that specialise in this area. Our job is to integrate these systems into the airframe.
EVA Presumably you manage a pretty extensive supply chain. What is the secret to bringing together this kind of expertise?
SB Long-term partnerships with key suppliers are something we emphasise; we recently hosted a two-day focus group with our key suppliers. The purpose of this event was multi-faceted. Firstly, we wanted to ensure that our suppliers were in agreement with our values and mission; secondly, that they are clear on the certification requirements and associated paperwork required to accompany their parts and components; and thirdly, it was also important to hear from the supply-chain regarding areas where GTI could improve how we work with them.
EVA What do you offer in terms of aftermarket support?
SB With a dedicated aftermarket specialist, we provide spare parts and components, and warranty support for every delivered completion.
EVA Presumably you need to dovetail with Boeing once more in the support of the aircraft when they leave your hangars. How does this work?
SB Actually the interior support is independent of airframe issues. We do work with Boeing when there are problems that affect the airframe and the interior, however this is rare.
EVA Is it the case that Boeing is sometimes your client or is your client always the private individual, corporate or head of state?
SB Yes, GTI is the only completion centre that consistently does work for Boeing. We also work directly with clients who purchase BBJs.
EVA Just how closely do you work with Boeing for a cabin completion? How does the information flow? To what extent are you in each other's facilities?
SB We work very closely with Boeing as our interior engineering effort requires Boeing data related to the airframe and systems. Boeing has developed an excellent system for transmittal and control of their intellectual property and we work with a well defined and secure channel for obtaining this data. We also have regular and constant presence in each other’s facilities, especially for the military work that we provide.
EVA Will GTI always be what you are today?
SB The only thing that remains consistent about GTI is our entrepreneurial philosophy, which is: focus, adapt, deliver. This very attitude enables us the flexibility to morph with ever-changing market demands. GTI expects to continue our rapid growth and strong profitability, supported by our diversification between military and VIP projects.
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