14700 North Airport Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85260 USA
Tel 1-480-998-1235
Fax 1-480-998-1239
www.commuterair.com

Commuter Air Technology Continues Role as Industry Innovator


LAS VEGAS, Nev., Oct. 12, 2004 — Commuter Air Technology (CAT) is powering into its milestone 20th year with new products, new markets, and plans for future growth fueled by ongoing research and development.
More than 100 CATPASS 250 airplanes have been delivered since the company was founded in 1985 by aviation industry innovator Keith Nickels. Today, the company is expanding its staff, certifying new products, and gaining acceptance among special mission operators worldwide.


The CATPASS 250 is a King Air 200 equipped with a special package of 18 enhancements installed by Commuter Air Technology. Nickels pioneered the CATPASS concept after identifying a need for a 13- to 15-passenger pressurized turbine aircraft for regional commuter airline operators who required additional speed, range and payload, as well as low operating costs. He developed and certified the revolutionary CATPASS 100 and, later, the CATPASS 250. The CATPASS 250 utilizes several of Raisbeck Engineering, Inc. performance enhancements. “We have had a strong relationship with Raisbeck for many years and we strongly believe in their products,” said Sam L. Jantzen, Jr., vice president of marketing and sales for Commuter Air Technology. “We are proud to serve as a dealer for Raisbeck.”
Today, the CATPASS 250 remains the company’s centerpiece and signature product, although CAT has adapted to a changing marketplace and has greatly expanded its sales of after-market enhancement products that improve the performance, capability and reliability of King Air airplanes. These products include exhaust gas extractors, cargo pods, and dual aft seats, to name a few.


At the same time, the company is developing and certifying new products, most recently improved passenger seats for the King Air 200, and a “no frills” 60-cubic foot cargo pod. “We have remained true to Keith’s vision for a product-development driven company providing quality enhancements that enable aircraft to do more while operating more effectively and efficiently,” said Jantzen. “This has always been, and remains today, our company’s driving passion.”


As this NBAA opens, CAT is working to certify some new products, among them exhaust gas extractors for the King Air 90, 100, 300, 350, and 1900 Series aircraft.


Additionally, the company has expanded its staff, adding a new chief financial officer and director of production and technical services.


Commuter Air Technology has also expanded into new markets, successfully selling CATPASS 250s to government and special mission operators for surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, counter-terrorism and electronic reconnaissance roles around the world
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“We have remained a dynamic and vibrant company for 20 years, by listening to the needs of the aviation community, and responding,” Jantzen said. “This is our legacy and also our future.”


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Meet representatives of Commuter Air Technology at NBAA in booth 11725.
For more information, contact: Jennifer Amundsen, Commuter Air Technology, (480) 998-1235scatp@aol.comwww.commuterair.com