Pilatus strengthens its presence in Europe
Pilatus takes a new step in its growth strategy in Europe with the acquisition of Air Alliance GmbH, a company founded in 1993 and recognized for its expertise in Pilatus aircraft sales, maintenance services and flight training.
Since 2014, Air Alliance has been operating as an authorized Pilatus sales and service center, with commercial and technical support responsibilities for the PC-12 and PC-24 models in Germany and Austria. The company also has a broader portfolio of activities, which includes a flight school and commercial flight services with the PC-12 and PC-24, developed as part of a professional aircraft management program and the achievement of the Air Operator Certification (AOC).
New Pilatus PC-12 Pro Copyright © Pilatus Group
This structure allows Air Alliance to oversee the entire value chain, from sales to maintenance and operational management of aircraft. On the other hand, Unicair GmbH, a subsidiary of Air Alliance Group specializing in ambulance flights globally, remains excluded from the transaction, which will not be part of the acquisition and will continue to operate as an independent entity.
The transaction is part of a collaboration already consolidated over the years between the two companies and offers Pilatus the opportunity to strengthen its presence on the European market, in particular Germany and Austria, improving the quality of services, getting closer to customers and developing synergies between production, sales and operations.
The operation provides for the maintenance of the entire workforce, equal to about 120 employees. Current CEO René Petersen will also remain at the helm of the company in the role of CEO. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals, as well as the green light from the German Federal Civil Aviation Authority. Pilatus Aircraft's headquarters are in Stans, Switzerland , while Air Alliance GmbH's headquarters are located at the small regional airport of Siegerland Airport (IATA: SGE, ICAO: EDGS) in Burbach, Germany, which is used exclusively for general aviation.
