Airfinance Global has officially merged with fellow UK-based aviation finance intelligence firm Ishka in a significant industry consolidation move. The merger is supported by Foundation Investment Partners, a private equity group that specializes in business services and data-driven enterprises. This merger signals a strategic shift in the competitive landscape of aviation finance analytics and consulting.
AE Industrial Partners, a U.S.-based private equity firm specializing in aerospace, defense, and industrial services, has acquired Air Transport Components (ATC), also based in the U.S., to serve as the cornerstone of a new aviation services platform. The acquisition marks a significant step in AE Industrial’s strategy to build an end-to-end component and accessory repair ecosystem tailored…
Fly Play, the Icelandic low-cost airline, has received a voluntary takeover proposal from BBL 212, a newly formed Icelandic investment group. This group is spearheaded by Einar Orn Olafsson, currently the CEO of PLAY, and Elias Skili Skulason, the airline’s Vice Chairman. The proposed acquisition would see BBL 212 acquire 100% of Fly Play’s shares, reflecting a significant internal consolidation effort to reposition…
Abra Group, a UK-based aviation investment consortium, continues to pursue the long-anticipated merger of Brazilian airlines GOL and Azul, despite growing speculation that Azul may file for bankruptcy protection in the United States. The group reiterated its commitment to consolidating the two carriers as part of a strategy to build Latin America’s leading airline network.
Abelo, the Irish aircraft leasing company, has undergone a change in ownership as an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management has acquired the business from funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management. The transaction signifies a strategic realignment in Abelo’s financial backing, potentially signaling new directions or growth plans under Cerberus’s stewardship.
Air France and Lufthansa have officially halted negotiations with the Hidalgo family, the owners of Spanish airline Air Europa, over the proposed acquisition of a 25% stake in the carrier. The talks reportedly collapsed due to an unresolved dispute concerning the valuation of Air Europa, which the Hidalgo family placed at $1.1 billion.
Asiana Cargo, the cargo division of South Korea’s Asiana Airlines, is in the final stages of its acquisition by Air Incheon, marking a pivotal moment in the consolidation of the country’s air freight market. Following regulatory approvals by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT), the unified cargo airline is expected to officially launch in July 2025.
Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) has officially completed its acquisition by Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets. The deal, structured as an all-cash transaction, assigns ATSG an enterprise valuation of approximately US$3.1 billion, signaling a major move within the logistics and air transport sectors.
Republic Airways Holdings and Mesa Air Group, two of the largest regional airline operators in the United States, have announced a definitive agreement to merge in an all-stock transaction. The deal will create a new, publicly traded regional airline company, consolidating resources, fleets, and operational platforms under a unified corporate structure.
Air France-KLM is actively pursuing expansion of its strategic holdings, with CEO Ben Smith confirming that the group is in discussions to take a stake in Air Europa of Spain. Additionally, the airline is looking to boost its existing share in SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) of Sweden to a majority ownership.
