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The North American Aerobatic Team, a 40-year veteran airshow demonstration team, announced on Nov. 29 it would be flying under a new name. The group will now fly under the TITAN Aviation Fuels brand as the TITAN Aerobatic Team beginning Dec. 3.
The group was founded in 1984 by Alan Henley and Steve Gustafson and since has become an iconic group known for tight formation aerobatics in WWII-era North American AT-6 Texans. The group initially flew under the NAAT name, then as the AeroShell Aerobatic Team since 2001. The team flies in AT-6 Texans, an aircraft known as the "Pilot Maker" due to its role as an advanced military trainer from the late 1930s into the 1950s. With the first name change in over 20 years, the newly-minted TITAN Aerobatic Team will begin flying in March 2024 with brand-new paint schemes, uniforms and promotional materials.
"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," Chairman of TITAN Aviation Fuels Buddy Stallings said. "We're thrilled to be flying with them!"
Mark Henley has flown with the NAAT group since 1997 and assumed the lead position when his twin brother Alan Henley was injured in a non-aviation accident in 2008.
"We've known Buddy and the TITAN company for many years," Henley said. "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," Gustafson said. "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."
AeroShell was the team's sponsor for over two decades before this significant change. Gustafson showed gratitude and respect for the former sponsor and their long-running relationship.
"AeroShell has been a wonderful sponsor and absolutely awesome to work with all these years," he said. "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 team will take to the sky in 2024 with a new name and new style. Henley said the look is new but the team and its demo will be an exciting and dynamic performance that fans have come to know and love. Entering into the 40th year of airshows, the rebranded TITAN Aerobatic Team will continue performing for fans, now with a revamp.
"We just do what we do and try to give the fans and show promoters a great experience with a great show," Henley said. "We love it, and it's very special to be able to open a new chapter even after all this time."