Pilatus Aircraft has acquired Germany-based Air Alliance GmbH, strengthening its presence in Europe and deepening its integration across sales, service and operations. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and the deal remains subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from the German Federal Aviation Authority.
Founded in 1993, Air Alliance is a long-standing Pilatus partner and has served as an authorized sales and service center since 2014. The company provides sales and technical support for the PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft in Germany and Austria, along with maintenance services, flight training and commercial operations under an air operator certificate.
As part of the acquisition, Pilatus will retain Air Alliance’s approximately 120 employees. René Petersen, the company’s current managing director, will continue to lead the business as CEO under the new ownership structure. Air Alliance’s subsidiary Unicair, which provides global air ambulance services, is not included in the transaction and will remain independent.
The acquisition builds on a long-standing partnership between the two companies and is intended to enhance Pilatus’ ability to serve customers more directly in key European markets. By bringing Air Alliance in-house, Pilatus aims to strengthen service quality and consistency while leveraging synergies across manufacturing, sales and operational functions.
The deal also positions Air Alliance for further growth by aligning it more closely with Pilatus’ global strategy and resources, particularly in Germany and Austria, which the company views as important and expanding markets.
KEY QUOTES:
“Europe, particularly Germany and Austria, is a very important market for Pilatus, and offers potential for further growth. This acquisition gives us the opportunity to leverage synergies and move even closer to our customers with the Pilatus brand and our own services. I’m delighted that we have Air Alliance and its employees on board with us to fulfill our mission together – Welcome to the Pilatus Family!”
Hansueli Loosli, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Pilatus Aircraft
“Pilatus will allow us to embark on further growth in our markets and areas of strengths – something which we could not have achieved at the planned pace without a partner as strong as Pilatus.”
René Petersen, CEO, Air Alliance
“Going forward, we will do everything possible to work together to provide our customers with the exclusive, first-class service they are entitled to expect as purchasers or owners of a Pilatus aircraft. We all look forward to building an even closer partnership in the future.”
Markus Bucher, CEO, Pilatus Aircraft
