Dublin aviation firm to acquire group of airlines

A Dublin-based aviation company has confirmed plans to acquire a group of airlines that will bring its list of affiliate carriers to seven.

ASL Aviation Group has signed an agreement to acquire the Farnair Group of companies in a deal that is expected to be finalised before the end of the year, once all regulatory and customary approvals are received.

ASL owns, operates, and manages a fleet of nearly 90 jet and turboprop aircraft, providing capacity for up to 147 passengers or 40 tonnes of cargo.

Based in Switzerland, the Farnair Group provides a range of aviation services across the world that will complement the existing air services of ASL.

That group comprises four airlines: Farnair Switzerland and Farnair Hungary, Quikjet India, and the joint venture in south-east Asia through K-Mile.

The move will bring the number of affiliate airlines in ASL to seven. It is already made up of Air Contractors in Ireland, Europe Airpost in France, and Safair in South Africa.

ASL said in a statement: “The management team at Farnair Group will remain in place and the addition of the Farnair aircraft will bring the total ASL Aviation Group fleet to over 100 owned and/or operated aircraft. Employment numbers will grow to over 1,500 people globally.”