Tempe, Ariz. – December 6, 2010 – StandardAero announced today that Lee Juan Lanford, founder of Associated Air Center (AAC) has died from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease, he was 87.
Lanford, an aviation business entrepreneur, created the Associated Radio Company in 1948, at Love Field in Dallas, Texas. The small start up company, which initially specialized in the repair and installation of surplus radio equipment in ex-military aircraft purchased by private individuals and corporations, grew to become Associated Air Center, specializing in the maintenance and modification of large transport category VIP aircraft.
“Lee was a brilliant entrepreneur and businessman who guided Associated Air Center through remarkable periods of change. His ability to steer AAC to growth and success is a testament not only to his business savvy, but his personal character as well,” said Jack Lawless, president, Associated Air Center. “We are thankful for what he achieved; he will be missed.”
Lanford is survived by his wife of 68 years, Bennye, daughter Cynthia Adams, and three grandchildren, Austin, Ashleigh, and Andrea Adams.
Associated Air Center became part of the new StandardAero in 2008 when the company was restructured to support a broad base of aviation services. AAC is a world leader in the maintenance and modification of large transport aircraft and regarded as specialists on Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) and Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) aircraft for clients that include internationally known individuals, corporations and heads of state.
StandardAero, a Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) company with nearly $1.4 billion in annual revenue, specializes in engine maintenance, repair and overhaul, and nose-to-tail services that include airframe, interior refurbishments and paint for business and general aviation, air transport, and military aircraft. The company, part of the DAE Engineering division, forms a global services network of 12 primary facilities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Singapore and Australia, with an additional 14 regionally located service and support locations.
About DAE: www.dubaiaerospace.com
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise is building a globally recognized aerospace corporation with operations from aircraft leasing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and Aviation IT solutions. It is creating an innovative business that builds on the dynamics of Dubai and continuous growth in aviation.
Headquartered in Dubai, the group is growing through a series of phased developments and acquisitions to become a global player and to produce an integrated aerospace cluster, based at Dubai World Central – the new 140 square kilometer airport and logistics city being constructed in Jebel Ali, Dubai. It is forming international partnerships at the highest level of industry with the aim of establishing one of the most innovative and successful businesses in the global aerospace industry within the next decade.