Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. has agreed to acquire Air Alliance GmbH, a Germany-based aerospace company that has served as an authorized Pilatus sales and service partner since 2014. The acquisition aims to deepen Pilatus presence in the European aviation market and enhance customer support infrastructure.
Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Germany, Air Alliance specializes in sales, technical support, flight training, and aircraft services for Pilatus PC-12 turboprop and PC-24 Super Versatile Jet models. It also operates an aircraft management program and holds an air operator certificate. Unicair GmbH, its ambulance flight subsidiary, is not included and will continue independently.
The transaction awaits regulatory approvals, including from the German Federal Aviation Authority, with financial terms undisclosed. Approximately 120 employees will remain, and Managing Director René Petersen will lead as CEO under Pilatus ownership.
Pilatus Chairman Hansueli Loosli stated the move leverages synergies between manufacturing, sales, and operations, bringing the company closer to customers. Europe, particularly Germany and Austria, is a key market for PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft.
Owning Air Alliance unifies technical support, training, and maintenance, improving service quality and responsiveness. The acquisition builds on a decade-long partnership and positions Pilatus to capture demand from private, governmental, and military operators.
This follows industry trends of OEMs acquiring regional service networks for better after-sales control, aligning with Pilatus global growth, including prior U.S. maintenance acquisitions. Post-approval, integration will enhance direct customer engagement and standardized services in Germany and Austria.