Complete Aircraft Group (CAG), part of JMC Group, has finalised the acquisition of Aerocare Aviation Services, an MRO Part 145 provider, interiors and paint specialist.
This formally ratifies the September 2021 terms of agreement and cements CAG’s move into business aircraft support. The Aerocare Aviation Services name remains unchanged.
“We are delighted to be integrating Aerocare into Complete Aircraft Group,” said CAG head of operations Alan Barnes. “It is a company that has developed a great reputation in business aircraft support with a prestigious customer base. We look forward to maximising group synergy, not just within CAG through our work sourcing and managing high-quality aircraft, aircraft tooling, parts and components for customers worldwide, but with our aircraft acquisition, tear down and oversight expertise, and especially, with our mobile repair team (MRT) specialists.”
Barnes and the Aerocare leadership team will work closely together to explore new business development opportunities and collaborative partnerships. High on CAG’s agenda is bolstering Aerocare’s OEM-endorsed paint facility at its headquarters at Hawarden Airport, Chester, UK.
“This is an area of immediate investment, involving the modification and widening of the hangar doors to accommodate bigger aircraft,” said Barnes. “We see increasing demand to tap into regional (turboprop) types for paint work – such as the de Havilland Q400 and ATR72, as well as supporting larger business jets like the Bombardier Challenger and Global family.”
Exploring new aircraft markets for maintenance too is another firm interest. “Collaboration is a very important ethos in the group,” stressed Barnes. “We believe there is need – and the market big enough, for widened aftermarket support, maximising the capabilities of our combined 100-strong workforce. This is good for the UK too as we position ourselves as a reliable, efficient closing centre for pre-owned business aircraft inspections, post Brexit.”
Welcoming Aerocare into CAG and JMC Group, CEO Warren Crook added: “Aerocare is a highly valued addition to our wide-ranging and expanding diverse aviation group. We very much look forward to integrating Aerocare’s talented team over the next few months and continuing our desire to build partnerships and offer ever creative solutions. Corporate aviation is a dynamic sector which is constantly evolving and attracting new investment. This sector perfectly aligns to our business model, sits well in our business plan, and we are pleased to be entering into this market through Aerocare AS.”
Following acquisition completion, CAG announced the appointment of Peter Mankelow as the new managing director of Aerocare AS. Mankelow joins the company with a wealth of experience in leading MRO services in both the civil and military aviation sectors.
“I feel privileged to be able to help build on Aerocare’s existing strong legacy of providing maintenance, upgrade and refurbishment services to their business aviation customers,” said Mankelow. “I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues and leading the Aerocare business into the next stage of growth and development.”
Following a period of handover, Jason Davies will join the CAG business development team, where he will help to further develop CAG’s portfolio of services while remaining connected to Aerocare’s customer base.
“We are delighted to see our valued tenant, Aerocare Aviation Services, move into an exciting new chapter within the Complete Aircraft Group,” said Caroline Gardner, managing director, Aviation Park Group. “At a time when aftermarket and technical support is vital as our industry rebuilds after the challenges of the global pandemic, being able to draw on synergies, complementary skills, as well as pledged new investment, Aerocare is well placed to grow and flourish.”
“Aerocare and Aviation Park, at Hawarden Chester Airport, have enjoyed a strong partnership these past five years,” she continued. “The business benefits from being based at a vibrant, flexible and forward-thinking aviation park, offering great logistics and skilled workforce links to the North West of England and North Wales. We too benefit from the kudos and stability of having Aerocare at our facility. This new development enables us to maximise our own partnership with them.”
