Monaco based Blueberry Aviation has expanded its commercial presence in the Middle East with the appointment of former Airbus Helicopters head of sales Philippe Minot as commercial director Middle East. In addition, it has added Gianfranco Sottotetti to its commercial team.

Minot has over 32 years of total aerospace industry experience. He recently left Airbus Helicopters where he was head of sales for the Middle East for 15 years, covering civilian and military products. Previously he has held sales and management positions at Dassault Electronique and Thales. Minot's hire reinforces Blueberry's presence in the region and it is in a position to better offer remarketing and sourcing solutions suited to Middle Eastern customers.

“We are delighted to welcome Philippe on board. I have known Philippe for many years, and I am convinced he is the right person to help us tackle the Middle Eastern market, which we consider to be a key target for us. Philippe has a broad understanding of regional specificities, and his extensive experience and network in the Middle Eastern aerospace industry is perfectly suited to the task,” says Francois Gautier, CEO of Blueberry Aviation.

Sottotetti's expertise includes engines, fixed wing and rotary aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. He has held sales and management positions at Rinaldo Piaggio, Piaggio Aviation as VP in the US, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo Helicopters as SVP international government business, NH Industries where he was managing director and Sistemi Dinamici a Leonardo Company, where he was CEO.

“It is a real pleasure to have Gianfranco on board. He is undeniably an asset for the team,” adds Gautier. “He is a recognised expert in the helicopter market, and his expertise and connections in Asia and Africa will enable us to bring particular focus to these markets. His experience in the VTOL sector will also be valuable to Blueberry and its customers as we look to the future of our industry.”