Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus has completed the acquisition of Air Alliance, a Germany-based authorized sales and service center that has represented the company since 2014. The acquisition strengthens Pilatus’s presence in the important German and Austrian markets while allowing the company to expand its direct customer relationships and operational capabilities. Air Alliance’s approximately 120 employees will be retained, and the company’s managing director will continue to lead the operation as CEO under Pilatus ownership.
Pilatus Aircraft has acquired Air Alliance, a Germany-based authorized Pilatus Sales and Service Center since 2014.
Air Alliance, founded in 1993, oversees sales and technical support for the Pilatus PC-12 and PC-24 in Germany and Austria. It also operates a flight training school and offers commercial flights with the Pilatus aircraft under a professional aircraft management program and air operator certification (AOC).
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and the approval of the German Federal Aviation Authority.
Unicair, an Air Alliance Group subsidiary, a provider of ambulance flights, is not part of the acquisition and will remain an independent company, Pilatus says.
Air Alliance’s staff of about 120 employees will be retained, Pilatus says. Rene Peterson, the company’s managing director, will remain with the company as CEO.
The acquisition allows Pilatus to expand its market presence in Europe, move closer to customers, and leverage the connections among manufacturing, sales and operations.
“Europe, particularly Germany and Austria, is a very important market for Pilatus, and offers potential for further growth,” said Hansueli Loosli, Pilatus chair. “This acquisition gives us the opportunity to leverage synergies and move even closer to our customers with the Pilatus brand and our own services.”
The merger also provides additional opportunities for Air Alliance, Pilatus says.
Original article published on aviationweek.com
