The acquisition of Arizona-based Part 135 operator, Alante Air Charter will help Wheels Up “strengthen its operational efficiencies and scale its marketplace”.
Founded in 2014, Alante Air Charter operates a fleet of Citation jets out of its Scottsdale base in Arizona. The deal will add a uniform fleet of 12 CJ3, CJ3+ and CJ4 light jets to the Wheels Up fleet. The deal will also see 39 pilots join the firm.
The firm said in a statement: “This acquisition further strengthens Wheels Up’s suite of products and services that are offered to members and enhances Wheels Up’s unique total aviation solution positioning.”
Last week Wheels Up announced plans to acquire UK-based, Air Partner, subject to investor approval. The deal values the global aviation services group at about $107m. The acquisition, which is expected to close in the first quarter subject to regulatory approvals, includes Air Partner’s 18 locations worldwide and is based on an ordinary share price of 125p per share.
Wheels Up chairman and CEO Kenny Dichter said the Air Partner announcement marked a key new chapter for the business.
Meanwhile, our sister title Corporate Jet Investor Quarterly last year charted how Dichter planned Wheels Up’s journey from launch in August 2013 to its listing on the New York Stock Exchange.
Wheels Up acquisitions
2019
• Merged with Delta Private Jets. Delta Air Lines takes a 27% stake in Wheels Up
• Acquired fleet management software company Avianis
• Bought TMC Jets
2020
• Buys Gama Aviation Signature
2021
• Acquires Mountain Aviation
2022
• Acquiring Air Partner (subject to investor approval)
• Acquires Alante Air Charter
