Birmingham, AL – The North American Aerobatic Team (NAAT), the iconic 40-year veteran airshow demonstration team, announced today that beginning December 3rd, 2023, they will fly under the TITAN Aviation Fuels brand as the TITAN Aerobatic Team. The group, founded in 1984 by Alan Henley and Steve Gustafson, has become one of aviation’s mainstays, flying first under their own NAAT name, then as the AeroShell Aerobatic Team since 2001. They fly tight, awe-inspiring formation aerobatics in WWII-era North American AT-6 “Texans”, the aircraft famously known as the “Pilot Maker” due to its critical role as an advanced military trainer from the late 1930’s well into the 1950’s.
Buddy Stallings, Chairman of TITAN Aviation Fuels, is enthusiastic about their new title sponsorship. “Having our brand associated with this team is a perfect match,” he said. “These ‘gentlemen pilots’ represent all the qualities we want to promote at TITAN – precision operations, a high-quality product, professional service, and extraordinary work ethic. We’re thrilled to be flying with them!”
Mark Henley has been flying with the NAAT group since 1997, and assumed the lead position after his twin brother Alan Henley was injured in a non-aviation accident in 2008. He commented on the positive change for the Team as it transitions to their new sponsor, saying “We’ve known Buddy and the TITAN company for many years. We are excited about our new relationship and are looking forward to representing all the great folks that make this company such a quality organization across America.”
“We have been so blessed to be in this business for so long”, said team co-founder Steve Gustafson. “Alan and I began this team with a simple idea at an airshow, and it has just grown over the years with the help of some amazing sponsors and our loyal fans. It’s truly incredible, and we are very humbled and grateful to be doing what we love.”
The change is a significant milestone in the team’s history, as AeroShell was their title sponsor for over two decades. Gustafson was emphatic about the gratitude and respect they have for their long-running relationship. “AeroShell has been a wonderful sponsor and absolutely awesome to work with all these years. We have nothing but great things to say about their support, their products, and all the good people that represent them around the world. It’s been a wonderful relationship, and I’m proud to say we’re parting on good terms.”
The TITAN Aerobatic Team will begin flying in March of 2024 with brand new paint schemes, uniforms, and promotional materials. Henley says the look is new, but the Team and their demo will be the exciting, dynamic performance fans have known and loved as they head into their 40th year in airshows. “We just do what we do and try to give the fans and show promoters a great experience with a great show. We love it, and it’s very special to be able to open a new chapter even after all this time.”
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About the North American Aerobatic Team
Team lead Mark Henley, right wing Bryan Regan, left wing Steve Gustafson, and slot pilot Jimmy Fordham thrill millions each year at airshows all over North America. The signature rumble of their four Pratt & Whitney R-1985 “Wasp” radial engines and billowing smoke that trails their dance in the sky is a familiar and beloved sight across the continent, and the display is even more spectacular during their twilight performance, when brilliant onboard LED lighting blazes through the smoke patterns as the men and their machines dazzle audiences with their aerial precision and skill. For more information, please visit www.naat.net.
