Market Intelligence: -Investments and Acquisitions

Kilo Charlie Aviation and US Aviation Academy Announce Strategic Merger to Expand National Flight Training Footprint

Kansa City, KS & Denton, TX, USA – Kilo Charlie Aviation, a premier flight training academy based in Kansas City, and US Aviation Academy, one of the nation’s largest aviation training providers, are pleased to announce their strategic merger. This union aims to enhance the scope and quality of aviation education across the United States.

Founded in 2020, Kilo Charlie Aviation has rapidly established itself as a leader in pilot training, known for its commitment to excellence and innovation. The academy operates a modern fleet, including Tecnam aircraft, and offers comprehensive programs ranging from Private Pilot to Multi-Engine Academy. Their dedication to student success and safety has made them a standout institution in the Midwest.

US Aviation Academy, established in 2006 and headquartered in Denton, Texas, brings nearly two decades of experience in training professional pilots and aircraft mechanics. With a fleet exceeding 175 aircraft and a student body of over 1,500, the academy has a proven track record of producing industry-ready aviation professionals.

The merger combines the strengths of both institutions, creating a unified entity poised to offer unparalleled flight training services. Students will benefit from an expanded network of training locations, a diverse fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft, and a curriculum designed to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry.

“This merger represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide top-tier aviation education,” said Mike Sykes, CEO of US Aviation Academy. “By joining forces with Kilo Charlie Aviation, we are expanding our reach and enhancing our ability to train the next generation of pilots.”

Robert Renfro, COO of Kilo Charlie Aviation, added, “Our shared values and commitment to excellence make this merger a natural fit. Together, we will continue to innovate and provide our students with the best possible training experience”.

Drew Konicek, CEO of Kilo Charlie Aviation, “Being able to provide the partnerships that US Aviation has created to the Midwest is what was very important to the Kilo Charlie Aviation leadership team. This Merger brings partnerships and opportunities to the Midwest immediately that would have taken us 5-10 years to develop.”

Kilo Charlie Aviation will begin to operate under the US Aviation Academy name, with training facilities in Kansas City, Denton, and other strategic locations nationwide. The merger is expected to be finalized in the coming months, pending regulatory approvals.

Source: US Aviation Academy

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Training Aircraft Manufacturer Grob Aircraft Acquired by Helsing

Germany – Grob Aircraft SE, a composite aircraft manufacturer with a long-standing footprint in global flight training, has been acquired by Helsing, a European defence technology company focused on artificial intelligence and software-driven capabilities across land, sea, air, and space domains.

  • Helsing and Grob Aircraft have signed an agreement confirming the acquisition; finalisation is subject to regulatory approvals.

  • Grob Aircraft will continue its existing training aircraft business, supporting civil and military customers with no change to ongoing operations.

  • The partnership aims to accelerate next-generation aerospace and defence innovation, combining Grob’s composite airframe design and manufacturing capabilities with Helsing’s AI-driven software systems.

  • Grob Aircraft currently employs approximately 275 people and operates from a site that includes an in-house airfield and an active production and training pipeline.

  • The two companies have previously partnered on Grob aircraft used as development platforms for Cirra, Helsing’s AI-based electronic warfare system, which supports real-time threat assessment.

  • Planned investments will expand operations at Grob’s Tussenhausen site in Bavaria, aligning with the Bavarian state government’s broader objectives to establish the region as a hub for aerospace and AI innovation.

Statement’s:

  • “With the acquisition, we deepen our partnership with Grob Aircraft. Our competencies complement each other perfectly, and we share aligned growth ambitions. This step will strengthen sovereignty in Europe’s defence industry and reinforce Bavaria’s role in defence innovation,” said Dr. Gundbert Scherf, Co-CEO of Helsing.

  • “Helsing’s vision and technological expertise in AI and software perfectly align with our decades-long aircraft design legacy. Together, we redefine innovation in our sector,” said André Hiebeler, Managing Director, Grob Aircraft SE.

Source: Grob Aircraft

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Visionary Training Resources and Reaction Simulation Announce Merger to Transform Pilot Training Through In-House VR Development

USA – Visionary Training Resources (VTR), a leader in virtual reality (VR) training solutions for pilots, announced that it is merging with Reaction Simulation (RS), a cutting-edge VR product and development company. The merger marks a major milestone in the evolution of immersive aviation training, combining VTR’s patented FlightDeckToGo™ proven product and operational discipline with RS’s exceptional software development capabilities.

The merger brings all development operations in-house for VTR, accelerating innovation and product improvements while increasing control over the full training experience. With RS’s team joining the VTR organizational structure, the combined company is positioned to lead the next era of pilot training.  As flight training departments seek to educate pilots with the most advanced technologies, the new entity will leverage institutional strengths to remain at the forefront of VR pilot training.

“VTR has built a strong foundation with a high-quality VR product and scalable business structure,” said Evey Cormican, CEO of Visionary Training Resources. “By bringing Reaction Simulation’s top-tier development talent into our organization, we now control our technical destiny. This merger gives us the speed, capability, and flexibility to push the boundaries of what VR training can do for aviation.”

The newly combined team will continue to serve current customers without disruption while focusing on integrating the best of both organization’s products into a next-generation VR training platform. Evey Cormican, CEO of VTR, will continue as CEO of the combined venture, while Jeff Goin will remain in a leadership role as Chief Innovation Officer. The headquarters will transition to the Reaction Simulation offices in Lakeland, Florida, and all associates will retain functions in the company.

“We are passionate about building high-performance, immersive platforms for pilot training. Combining with VTR unleashes the full potential to create environments that redefine the process,” said Jeff Goin, CEO of Reaction Simulation.

Together, VTR and RS are set to deliver on the promise of immersive training—faster, better, and more dynamic than ever before.

Source: Visionary Training Resources
Photo Credit: Visionary Training Resources

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TJC Closes Acquisition of L3Harris’ Commercial Aviation Solutions Business

USA – TJC, L.P. (“TJC”), announced that an affiliate of The Resolute Fund VI, L.P. (“Resolute VI”) has closed the acquisition of L3Harris Technologies Commercial Aviation Solutions business (“CAS,” or the “Company”) for $800 million.

CAS has two operating business units; the Avionics unit designs and manufactures mission critical, IP-driven avionics products, and the Commercial Training Solutions (“CTS”) unit provides an integrated suite of aircraft training solutions.

The Avionics unit is a global leader in aviation that enhances safety and increases efficiency and situational awareness for next-generation requirements and helps its customers create safer skies. Their products include ADS-B NextGen surveillance, configurable voice and data recorders, collision avoidance systems, navigation products, display systems, processors and additional products such as satellite communications equipment and data analytics services. The business serves over 160 distinct aircraft platforms across commercial air transport, business and regional jet, and military end markets.

The CTS unit manufactures training systems and provides airline training, including recurring courses for pilots and airline academy participants. The training systems suite includes full flight simulators, flight training devices, flat panel trainers, and relevant training courseware and equipment upgrades. Airline training includes airline-specific qualification courses, refresher training and simulator time. Its airline academy provides an integrated environment that supports cadets over a 12-18 month training period, including flight training, instruction, type rating, and placement with regional and major airlines.

“L3Harris’ CAS business is a global leader with a long history of providing highly engineered products at the intersection of data, communications and safety,” said Erik Fagan, a Partner at TJC. “We look forward to partnering with their strong management team to build upon their history of success to provide high-reliability solutions to their critical customers.”

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel for TJC. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Moelis & Company LLC are acting as financial advisors and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is serving as legal counsel for L3Harris.

About TJC
TJC LP, formerly known as The Jordan Company, has worked for more than 40 years with CEOs, founders and entrepreneurs across a range of industries including Consumer & Healthcare, Diversified Industrials, Industrial Technology, Logistics & Supply Chain and Technology & Infrastructure. With $31.8 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2024, TJC is managed by a senior leadership team that has invested together for over 23 years on over 85 investments. TJC has offices in New York, Chicago, Miami and Stamford.

Source: TJC

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L3Harris’ Commercial Aviation Solutions (CAS) Business, Now Known as Acron Aviation

Global – Today, L3Harris Commercial Aviation Solutions (CAS) will be known as Acron Aviation to reflect its new brand. The new name is adapted from the Greek word άkron which means peak, or highest point and aptly symbolizes the ambition and mission the company has for the future.

Located in the UK, US, Thailand and India, Acron Aviation continues the mission that embodies its enterprising spirit: innovate to create safer skies. Drawing on its rich heritage, Acron Aviation aims to establish itself as an unconventional, top tier, partner of choice for our customers in avionics, airline training solutions, and flight data intelligence. With its integrated portfolio of products, services, and aftermarket solutions the company supports the entire life cycle of a platform, offering flexible solutions to meet diverse customer needs.

  • Avionics: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) certified products that enhance safety and situational awareness.
  • Training Systems: A portfolio of pilot simulation devices and training solutions that delivers the development and supply of flight crew to support the future growth plans of our airline customers.
  • Training Services: A global training center and academy footprint offering specialized training partnerships to airlines and future pilots who aspire to achieve world class professional pilot standards in state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Flight Data Intelligence: Empowering safer, more efficient flight operations through end-to-end data services that unlock real business intelligence.

As Acron Aviation, the company is ideally positioned to serve its fixed-wing and rotary customers in the commercial, business jet, military and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) markets and proactively offer data-led solutions to top-tier and forward-thinking aviation customers who recognise our value.

Alan Crawford, Chief Executive Officer, Acron Aviation says: “Since our inception, we’ve been at the forefront of aviation excellence, from pioneering the first flight simulator in the 1920s to delivering top-tier avionics technology. As we embark on this new exciting chapter, our identity will be founded on a culture of continuous innovation and guided by our core values of putting our customers first, moving fast, owning our actions, and speaking candidly – to power our mission of better, safer flight for operators and their customers.”

Effective today, L3Harris CAS will become Acron Aviation bringing together a team of forward-thinking aviation colleagues and experts committed to future growth with all websites, premises, and products adopting the Acron Aviation brand.

Source: Acron Aviation

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