Exclusive! Air Works makes another acquisition (Video)

Neelam Mathews
Feb 17, 2013

Air Works India Engineering Pvt Ltd. (Air Works) is continuing its acquisition spree. It has acquired Aero Technique Espace (ATE) a French aircraft painting company, AerospaceDiary learns.

This move is sure to strengthen Air Works’ market position as a provider of painting services to the European commercial and military aircraft market. It acquired Air Livery recently.

Air Works can be assured of long-term contracts as ATE is a well established paint application company, painting new aircraft for Airbus and ATR at its facilities in Chateauroux and Toulouse in southern France. The company, which employs around 150 people, is a recognized brand within its target market and as is AWs policy, will continue to retain the “ATE” brand name post acquisition.

Christian Lalane, who has now taken over as the Managing Director, ATE, said: “The recent modernization of the complete Chateauroux site now offers a state-of-the-art, environmentally compliant wide body and narrow body aircraft facility for our customers. Our capabilities include 2 x A330/340 bays, 1 x A320/757, 1 X ATR/Challenger bay at Chateauroux and 2 x A320, 1 X ATR at Toulouse.”

Julian Duffen, Managing Director of Air Livery said: “Having worked as a partner with ATE for fifteen years the acquisition was the next natural evolution in our relationship. Robert Wasilewski, the previous owner, will remain in an advisory position through the transition phase to help integrate ATE seamlessly into the Air Livery network”

Vivek N Gour, Managing Director, Air Works, “ATE is a strategic acquisition for Air Works. It will provide Air Livery not only access to world class hangar facilities in Europe, but also add green aircraft painting to its portfolio of services. ATE is a qualified vendor for green aircraft painting for Airbus and ATR. We hope to further develop on these relationships and increase our service footprint with both OEMs”

Paul Woods, Sales and Marketing Director Air Works and Air Livery added: “Air Livery and ATE will develop Chateauroux as a strategic location for both green aircraft painting and repainting services. Chateauroux is well placed centrally in France offering many European and North African customers an ideal location reducing ferry costs and downtime.”

Air Works has funded this acquisition through a mix of internal accruals and equity from existing shareholders.