Market Intelligence: -Investments and Acquisitions

OSM Aviation Academy Increases Capacity – Acquires Simulators and Equipment from Flight School Bankruptcy Estate

Norway – OSM Aviation Academy has entered into an agreement to purchase simulators and other relevant equipment from the bankruptcy estate of Pilot Flight Academy (PFA). The acquisition aligns with OSM Aviation Academy’s long-term strategy, and the resources will be integrated into the existing structure, contributing to increased capacity and becoming part of the school’s established training platform.

Bjørn Tore Larsen is the majority owner of OSM Aviation Academy. In recent years, the flight school has made targeted investments in aircraft, simulators, technology, and instructor competence to meet the growing demand for pilots in the aviation industry.

“We are committed to ensuring that students experience quality, predictability, and steady progression throughout their pilot training. As we now strengthen our capacity, this is both about being able to welcome more students at our established bases and ensuring robust training pathways that are relevant to the industry,” says Bjørn Tore Larsen, owner of OSM Aviation Academy.

Following the bankruptcy of Pilot Flight Academy, OSM Aviation Academy has received more than 100 inquiries and applications from students who wish to start or continue their pilot training with OSM. Contracts are being issued on an ongoing basis to qualified applicants, based on individual assessment and available capacity.

“We fully understand that many students have ended up in a challenging situation. Our goal is to contribute to continuity and safe, reliable training pathways for both existing and new students, while continuing to deliver high-quality education,” says Martin Floor, CEO of of OSM Aviation Academy.

OSM Aviation Academy is a global training provider and one of Europe’s leading flight schools, with bases in Europe and the United States. The school offers modern ‘Airline Ready’ programs developed in close cooperation with the aviation industry, and continuously works to expand capacity and enhance quality in line with market needs. The flight school has established partnerships with, among others, Norse Atlantic Airways, Norwegian, and Widerøe.

Source: OSM Aviation Academy
Photo Credit: OSM Aviation Academy

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MML Keystone Acquires Coptersafety, The Largest Independent Helicopter Simulator Training Provider in Europe

Finland – MML Keystone announced the acquisition of Coptersafety, the largest independent provider of helicopter full flight simulator pilot training in Europe. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Coptersafety operates a purpose-built, state-of-the-art helicopter simulator training centre five minutes from Helsinki-Vantaa airport. The company owns and operates five full flight simulators, covering the most in-demand light-medium and medium helicopter platforms used in emergency services, offshore, government and VVIP operations.

Coptersafety delivers mandatory, safety-critical training to professional helicopter operators globally, with approximately 95% of sales generated internationally. The business benefits from structurally strong demand drivers, long-standing customer relationships and limited industry capacity.

Coptersafety holds approvals from major aviation authorities, including EASA, the FAA, the UK CAA and Transport Canada among multiple other local Civil Aviation Authority approvals.

MML Keystone is investing alongside the existing management team, which will continue to lead the business and retain a meaningful shareholding. Sentica Partners, which has supported Coptersafety since 2015, will exit the investment following a period of significant growth and development for the business.

Statements

  • Hannu Marjoniemi, CEO and Co-Founder of Coptersafety, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome MML Keystone as our new partner. Their experience backing asset-backed, essential services businesses and supporting international growth makes them an excellent fit for Coptersafety. This partnership will allow us to expand capacity, invest in additional simulators (along with new locations) and continue delivering the highest quality training to our customers worldwide.’
  • Sharand Maharaj, Co-Managing Partner of MML Keystone, commented: ‘Coptersafety runs a scarce piece of safety infrastructure in European aviation: full-flight simulator training capacity on the helicopter types operators depend on for the most demanding missions. In a market where approvals are hard-won and capacity cannot be conjured overnight, Coptersafety has built a business with disciplined capacity economics and highly recurring demand. What stood out in diligence was outstanding and consistent operator respect for the training quality and the calibre of the team. We are excited to back management as they expand capacity in Helsinki and scale the business internationally.’

The MML Keystone deal team included Sharand Maharaj (Co-Managing Partner), Arttu Koivula (Investment Manager) and Javier Perez (Investment Associate).

Coptersafety and Sentica Partners were advised by: ICECAPITAL Securities Ltd (M&A Advisory) and Krogerus Attorneys Ltd (Legal).

MML was advised by: Danske Bank (M&A and Debt Advisory), Borenius (Legal), PwC (Financial and Tax Due Diligence), Roland Berger (Commercial Due Diligence), Marsh (Insurance Due Diligence) and Sustainable Advantage (ESG).

Source: MML

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Coptersafety Acquired by MML Keystone to Support Future Expansion

Finland – Private Equity firm MML Keystone becomes the majority owner of Coptersafety, one of the largest independent helicopter pilot simulator training center. With the support of MML Keystone, Coptersafety aims to expand its capacity to continue to provide high-quality training to pilots globally.

Training will continue as normal, without interruption, at Coptersafety’s training center in Helsinki Finland.

Coptersafety provides safety-critical training to helicopter operators from around the world, with their five Level D full flight simulators from their state-of-the-art training center five minutes from Helsinki International Airport. Coptersafety holds approvals from major aviation authorities, including EASA, the FAA, the UK CAA and Transport Canada among multiple other local Civil Aviation Authority approvals.

Coptersafety is planning an expansion of its Helsinki facility, with additional training capacity with new Level D full flight simulators, expected to be available in 2027 and 2028, subject to regulatory approvals and schedules.

“We are delighted to welcome MML Keystone as our new partner. Their experience backing asset-backed, essential services businesses and supporting international growth makes them an excellent fit for Coptersafety.” said Hannu Marjoniemi, CEO and Co-Founder of Coptersafety “This partnership will allow us to expand capacity, invest in additional simulators along with new locations and continue delivering the highest quality training to our customers worldwide.”

Sharand Maharaj, Co-Managing Partner of MML Keystone, commented: “Coptersafety runs a scarce piece of safety infrastructure in European aviation: full-flight simulator training capacity on the helicopter types operators depend on for the most demanding missions. In a market where approvals are hard-won and capacity cannot be conjured overnight, Coptersafety has built a business with disciplined capacity economics and highly recurring demand. What stood out in diligence was outstanding and consistent operator respect for the training quality and the calibre of the team. We are excited to back management as they expand capacity in Helsinki and scale the business internationally.”

MML Keystone is investing alongside the existing management team, which will continue to lead the business and retain a meaningful shareholding. Sentica Partners, which has supported Coptersafety since 2015, will exit the investment following a period of significant growth.

Source: Coptersafety

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Pan Am Flight Academy Expands Training Capabilities with Acquisition of Alliance Aviation

USA – Acorn Capital Management, a private equity firm investing exclusively in Aerospace, Defense, Intelligence, and Space, today announced that its portfolio company Pan Am Flight Academy, LLC (“Pan Am”) has acquired Alliance Aviation, Inc. (“Alliance”). Alliance is a leading Part 142 flight training organization serving a diverse global customer base, with particularly strong relationships across Latin America. The acquisition positions Pan Am to enhance its simulator-based training offerings and further strengthen its position in the independent flight training market.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alliance Aviation into the Pan Am family,” said Alex Pinho, President of Pan Am. “This acquisition enhances our training capabilities and brings with it a highly complementary customer base. By combining our expertise and resources, we can provide even higher-quality training and more seamless experiences for our students and airline partners.”

Alliance will operate as a division of Pan Am under the continued leadership of Federico Flores. Pan Am and Alliance have enjoyed a longstanding commercial partnership which will now flourish under common ownership and provide meaningful operational and financial benefits.

“Joining Pan Am allows us to scale our mission while preserving what has made Alliance successful,” said Federico Flores, Owner of Alliance Aviation. “This partnership gives our customers access to a broader training ecosystem while allowing us to further integrate programs, strengthen global relationships, and continue delivering an exceptional training experience while growing together as a unified team.”

Greg Agnew, Partner at Acorn Capital Management, added, “The acquisition of Alliance Aviation is a strategic milestone for Pan Am, reflecting our confidence in the combined organization’s ability to lead the independent flight training market. The partnership provides Pan Am with both strategic and operational resources needed to accelerate growth and pursue new training opportunities worldwide.”

Source: Acorn Capital Management

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