Portside acquires Baldwin Safety & Compliance

Portside has acquired safety management system desinger, Baldwin Safety & Compliance. 

The move is aimed at “augmenting” Portside’s suite of tools and technology, it said. Baldwin, established in 2004, specialises in designing, implementing and maintaining safety management systems (SMS). All of Baldwin’s team will join Portside to ensure ongoing development and support.

Baldwin’s SMS expertise covers operations including FBOs, MRO groups, commercial providers, UAS, airports, and air medical transport operations. Baldwin helps to keep operators compliant with industry SMS regulations, readying them for incoming regulations, such as those proposed in FAA’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) 88 FR 1932. This regulation will mandate SMS for commuter and on-demand operations, commercial air tour operators, and certain holders under Part 21.

Founder, Don Baldwin alongside wife Nancy. (credit: Portside)

Alek Vernitsky, Portside CEO, said: “Safety is the foremost concern for any aviation provider, and Baldwin is an undisputed leader in this space. They excel not only in terms of delivering safety and compliance programs that adhere to the highest industry standards, but also in tailoring and supporting these programs to meet the ever-evolving needs of their clients. This acquisition enhances Portside’s capabilities, aligning with our mission to be a comprehensive, turn-key solution for business and government aviation.”

While the specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the move is Portside’s fourth purchase of 2023. In July, the firm acquired licensing and development rights for the Avianis flight management system. Earlier in the year, Portside acquired Stellar Lab’s flight operations system hosting business and the BART scheduling product suite.

Don Baldwin, the founder of Baldwin, said: “We founded Baldwin with the belief that small operators should have access to the same tools and capabilities enjoyed by larger providers when fostering a culture of safety. Today, our products are trusted by operators, both big and small, with the most critical and fundamental aspects of their businesses. Portside shares our commitment to customer service, and we eagerly anticipate becoming a part of their team as we continue to uphold our leading role in safety and compliance.”

The transaction was facilitated by Brian Foley of AVStrategies, he added: “This is a perfect example of combining a top-notch transportation specialist with a respected aviation technology platform to provide mutual value and chemistry.”