ASL can now avail of Air Operators Certificates (AOCs) in Europe, South Africa, South East Asia and India, enabling entry into new and growing markets.
DUBLIN – ASL Aviation Group (ASL) has completed the acquisition of the Farnair Group in Switzerland. The acquisition increases the number of affiliate airlines in the Dublin, Ireland based ASL Aviation Group to 7 and the number of aircraft owned and/or operated in the fleet to over 100.
ASL can now avail of Air Operators Certificates (AOCs) in Europe, South Africa, South East Asia and India, enabling entry into new and growing markets.
The Chief Executive of ASL Aviation Group Hugh Flynn commented “with 5 airlines operating across Europe and Africa and with an airline now in each of South East Asia and India ASL Aviation will considerably strengthen its position as the neutral provider of airline services to the major express integrators on a global scale.”
“With strong management, a constant focus on costs and a total commitment to customer service we have remained profitable and have grown throughout the last few years of recession,” Hugh Flynn continued. “The Farnair acquisition reflects our ongoing strategy to grow both geographically and through asset procurement.”
Located in Basel, Farnair Switzerland was established 30 years ago and now operates a fleet of 20 cargo and passenger aircraft. In addition to their Swiss AOC the Group has a subsidiary, Farnair Hungary based in Budapest and two joint venture platforms in Quikjet India as well as a 45% share in K-Mile Asia.
Three additional subsidiaries include specialist service providers in aircraft handling, training and rail logistics. Farnair is a successful airline service provider in express air cargo transport supporting global logistics providers.
The acquisition by the ASL Aviation Group will combine the strengths of the two aviation groups and provide industry-leading service performance to existing and prospective future customers worldwide.
Air Contractors, ASL Aviation Group’s Dublin based airline, operates throughout Europe and in the Far East for major express integrators and also operates Boeing 737 and Boeing 757 passenger services.
ASL Aviation Group’s French airline, Europe Airpost operates for European post offices and international express integrators with a fleet of Boeing 737 cargo and ‘Quick Change’ aircraft. The airline also operates both scheduled passenger flights and passenger flights on behalf of European Tour Operators.
The Group’s affiliate South African airline, Safair, is the largest operator of the civilian Hercules for the United Nations and has just launched FlySafair, the first ‘true’ low cost airline in South Africa.
The last reported financial figures for the ASL Aviation Group show turnover of almost 325 million euros in 2013 with a net profit margin of 5% and a return on equity up to 17%. Cash flow generated from operating activities was 45 million euros with an EBITDA of almost 60 million euros.
With the acquisition, the consolidated annual turnover of ASL is expected to grow to in excess of 400 million euros with an EBITDA in excess of 80 million euros.
The addition of the Farnair companies will bring the total ASL Aviation Group employment numbers to over 1,500 people globally.
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
