FBO firms expand through merger and acquisition

FBO company Atlantic Aviation has completed its merger with Ross Aviation following Signature Aviation’s acquisition of TAC Air earlier this month.

Atlantic Aviation and Ross Aviation will operate under Atlantic Aviation’s name to offer more than 100 FBO locations throughout the US. Its network includes three former TAC Air FBO sites at Omaha, Nebraska; Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; and Hartford, Connecticut.

Ross Aviation brings more than 500 additional team members to Atlantic Aviation. Brian Corbett, previously CEO of Ross Aviation, has been appointed chief commercial and sustainability officer of Atlantic Aviation.

Atlantic Aviation said it will invest in its service, technology, sustainability and strategic infrastructure to provide more choice, better value and improved experiences for customers. The firm said it aims to be “local everywhere” across North America.

Ross Aviation’s principal owner, KSL Capital Partners (KSL), is now a significant minority owner of the merged company. Investment firm KKR acquired Atlantic Aviation from Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation in 2021 and is the majority shareholder in the combined FBO firm.

Lou Pepper, CEO, Atlantic Aviation said: “’Local everywhere’ is more than just a slogan. It’s a belief that ensures we’re not only where our customers want to be, but also that we reflect the culture of our local communities.”

Dash Lane, partner, KKR said: “The combination brings together two highly regarded and complementary franchises to create an even stronger leadership presence in business aviation services.”

Meanwhile, FBO Signature Aviation announced its acquisition of the Air Division of The Arnold Companies (TAC) last week. Through the acquisition, 14 TAC Air locations will rebrand and join the Signature group with immediate effect. Three of the TAC Air FBO locations that were not included in the acquisition were picked up by the Atlantic Aviation merger.

The purchase of the TAC Air locations will enable Signature to enter 11 new locations including Salt Lake City, Utah; Lexington, Kentucky; Buffalo, New York; and Knoxville, Tennessee.

Signature said TAC Air FBO customers can enroll in the Signature Resident Premier programme. Full integration of the acquisition is expected by the end of the year.

Tony Lefebvre, CEO, Signature Aviation said: “We aim to build on the exceptional staff and impressive network of TAC Air, generating greater value and care for private aviation travellers in the most desirable locations.”