Art Manni Elevated to Chief Operating Role at Downing Aviation Associates

Phoenix, AZ—Art Manni, who joined Downing Aviation Associates (DAA ) in August of 2006 as a senior associate has been appointed the company’s Chief Operating  Officer (COO).  Manni, who has extensive experience in key management roles with major aerospace firms during the course of three decades in the industry, will be responsible for day to day oversight of DAA’s activities and management of the firm’s ongoing client activities.  Darrel Downing, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of DAA, will focus on general business direction and industry and client relationships.  

 “Art’s broad background and expertise in the technical, marketing and business arenas equip him to lead the DAA team as we enter a new phase in the company’s development.  He will provide strong leadership to our team of consultants as we meet the broadening needs of a growing client base.  Whether it’s in application engineering, product line management, product marketing, the establishment of joint ventures, or merger and acquisition support, he has a solid track record of success,” Downing said. 

Manni’s knowledge of the aerospace industry extends to both the domestic and global markets.  He began his career in engineering and marketing at Pratt & Whitney of Canada before moving to AlliedSignal and its successor company, Honeywell, where he held a variety of sales, marketing, business development and product line management posts.  In 2004, he was named vice president of sales and business development at Eagle Picher Technologies in Phoenix. Immediately prior to joining DAA, he served as Vice President and General Manager of the Defense division of AmSafe, Inc.

“Our philosophy of service will continue to be focused on enhancing our clients’ efforts without adding unnecessary costs,” Downing explained.  “At Downing Aviation Associates we recognize and understand the critical shortage of industry technical talent.  We have expanded our scope and have the ability to bring highly skilled experienced engineers and managers to non-advocate reviews, design, development or certification programs on an ‘as required’ basis. Our standard philosophy is to bring in the right resources at the right time and for only as long as they are required,” he concluded.  

 Established in 2001, DAA specializes in providing focused consulting and contract services for Business and General Aviation and Regional Airline clients.  It offers experienced technical, marketing, business and contract management resources to both startup and established aviation firms. Downing Aviation Associates is committed to helping clients explore their options, define and grow their businesses and maximize their value—without incurring premature or unnecessary added personnel and administrative costs. For further information, visit DAA’s website at www.DowningAviationAssociates.com or contact Darrel Downing by phone at (480) 570-1250 or Art Manni at (480) 861-7252.