Aviation Sales Company Announces Timco's Formation of a New Engineering and Manufacturing Division.

Business Editors

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 2000

Aviation Sales Company (NYSE:AVS) today announced the formation of TIMCO Engineered Systems, Inc., a new engineering and manufacturing division within its Triad International Maintenance Corporation ("TIMCO") operations. TIMCO Engineered Systems, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of TIMCO and has been established to provide integrated aircraft engineering, certification, parts manufacturing, kit assembly and distribution to airlines, leasing companies and aerospace industry OEMs.

TIMCO Engineered Systems, Inc. specializes in the integrated design, manufacturing, and certification of a wide range of avionics, passenger entertainment and aircraft interior products. TIMCO Engineered Systems also offers modifications to aircraft smoke detection/fire suppression systems, water/waste systems, environmental control systems, and structural installations ranging in complexity from minor repair design to passenger to freighter conversions.

Mr. John Affeltranger, President of TIMCO, stated: "The formation of TIMCO Engineered Systems, Inc. is in response to strong market demand for turn-key technical products and services that are focused, responsive, cost effective and of the highest available quality. By adding independent manufacturing resources, TIMCO Engineered Systems, Inc. is the next logical step in adding focus and product definition to what is already an extensive engineering capability."

The development and structure of TIMCO Engineered Systems will be overseen by TIMCO President John Affeltranger. TIMCO has appointed Mr. Rick Salanitri as Vice President of Engineering and General Manager to manage the division's operations. The position is already effective.

Mr. Salanitri, age 37, possesses fifteen years of aerospace engineering experience and has been with TIMCO since 1994. Currently serving as TIMCO's Vice President of Engineering, he has observed TIMCO's delegation as a Designated Alteration Station ("DAS") and has overseen various major aircraft modification projects involving freighter conversions, interior reconfigurations/completions and avionics upgrades. Prior to TIMCO, Mr. Salanitri held various engineering and engineering management positions at Page AvJet, a former provider of aircraft interior completions, Piedmont Airlines (now USAirways) and the Naval Aviation Depot at NAS Jacksonville, FL. Mr. Salanitri graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in engineering and is an FAA Designated Engineering Representative ("DER").

Mr. Affeltranger commented: "The success of TIMCO is directly related to the talent and effort of our team. Since the formation of TIMCO Engineered Systems, Rick has done an outstanding job in positioning his team as a world class quality source of full service engineered products. His knowledge of the aviation industry combined with his direct engineering experience are significant factors in our ability to grow and develop this business."

Mr. Dale S. Baker, Chairman and CEO of Aviation Sales Company, concluded: "Aviation Sales Company expects the formation of TIMCO Engineered Systems to further expand our product base and result in additional opportunities for parts sales and distribution. What sets TIMCO Engineered Systems apart is the ability to supply aircraft modification products where and when they are needed the most - at a modification facility at critical stages during the aircraft downtime. By controlling our own destiny through in-house manufacturing and our ability to offer autonomous FAA certification, we can provide unmatched schedule flexibility for our customers."

Aviation Sales Company is a leading independent provider of fully integrated aviation maintenance and inventory services, including aircraft heavy maintenance, component repair and overhaul, leasing, the distribution of aircraft spare parts and the manufacture of new components for major commercial airlines, original equipment manufacturers and maintenance and repair facilities.

Except for historical information contained herein, this release contains certain forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. A number of factors, including those identified below, could adversely affect the Company's ability to obtain these results: the Company's ability to acquire adequate inventory and to obtain favorable pricing for such inventory, competitive pricing for the Company's products and services, increased competition in the aircraft spare parts redistribution and MRO markets, the ability to consummate suitable acquisitions, the continuing ability to effectively integrate acquisitions, economic factors which affect the airline industry, and changes in government regulations. Certain of these risks are described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of the Company's SEC filings are available from the SEC or may be obtained upon request from the Company. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update the information contained herein, which speaks only as of this date.