General Dynamics subsidiary Jet Aviation has announced it will buy Asia Pacific general aviation company Hawker Pacific for $US250 million.
Hawker Pacific has several fixed-base operations in Australia and New Zealand specialising in corporate jet and maintenance facilities. The company also has defence support contracts and is the Asia Pacific agent for Cessna, Beechcraft, Bell and Diamond.
Rob Smith, president of Jet Aviation said the move was part of his company's expansion in the region.
“The acquisition of Hawker Pacific represents a significant step in expanding our footprint, capability and customer offer across Asia Pacific and the Middle East,” he said. “Hawker Pacific has a wide range of services including civil MRO, fleet services, FBO network and aircraft sales, enabling Jet Aviation to further expand its current portfolio, enter new markets, and reinforce the company’s position as one of the world’s leading business aviation service providers.”
According to Alan Smith, CEO of Hawker Pacific, the buy-out will strengthen his company's position.
“We believe the company’s acquisition by Jet Aviation represents an excellent outcome for Hawker Pacific’s investors, employees and customers," he said. "It builds on our strong values and passion for exceeding our customer’s expectations and I, on behalf of the management, am confident that the combination of the two companies will create a clear leader in the aviation space.”
Jet Aviation was founded in Switzerland in 1967 and has over 4000 employees operating from 30 airports throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America and the Caribbean. The company provides maintenance, FBO and fuel services, along with aircraft management, charter services and personnel services.
The deal is still subject to closing conditions being met, but there are no obstacles expected.