ASL Aviation Group has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire TNT Airways S.A. and Pan Air Lineas Aereas from TNT Express N.V.

Photo: ASL Aviation Group

TNT Airways (based in Belgium) and Pan Air Líneas Aéreas (based in Spain) will be added to the existing air transportation activities of the ASL Group. The addition of these two companies to ASL’s other carriers - Air Contractors (based in Ireland), Europe Airpost (based in France) and Safair (based in South Africa) - will bring the number of airlines in the Group to a total of five.

Hugh Flynn Group Chief Executive ASL Aviation Group said: "I look forward to working with the highly skilled and dedicated TNT airlines team as we build the airlines for the future. Additionally, the transaction provides ASL with new opportunities for development and growth".

ASL is a diversified aviation group that has grown recently through acquisitions. This new acquisition reinforces the successful, strategic development of the Group by external growth. ASL Aviation Group will develop TNT Airways and Pan Air Líneas Aéreas in line with its business and the airlines will continue to operate its fleets on their existing routes.

The integration of TNT Airways and Pan Air Líneas Aéreas to the ASL Aviation Group, will strengthen the company’s capabilities and ensure that it continues to provide customers with first class and reliable professional service.

This transaction represents a unique opportunity for ASL to be in a position to provide services to the major integrators and assert itself as the neutral provider of airline services to the major express integrators in Europe.

Further announcements will follow in due course.

ASL Aviation Group is an established European group of aviation companies, which currently includes three airlines, two support services companies and various leasing entities. ASL Aviation Group holds a European air operator license and operates and owns a fleet of about 90 aircraft in use for freight and passenger services.

ASL Aviation Group employs close to 1,200 personnel and generated revenues of around €410 million in 2011. ASL Aviation Group is owned by Compagnie Maritime Belge N.V. (51%) and 3P Air Freighters Ltd (49%).

Irish Aviation Research Institute © 16th November 2012 All Rights Reserved.

Ireland West Airport Knock : Over 15,000 weekly seats to Spain & UK this winter ©

Image: Ireland West Airport Knock 

Ireland West Knock Airport (IWAK) announced it had a record breaking summer season with over 530,000 passengers passing through the airport, following the launch of new services to mainland Europe by Lufthansa and Ryanair, bringing an estimated 14,000 new tourists to the region generating an estimated €7m in tourist spend for the local economy.

This winter Ireland West Airport Knock 2012/13 there will be 15,000 weekly seats to and from 9 scheduled destinations in the UK and to/from Lanzarote in Spain operating weekly every Thursday with Ryanair, and Aer Lingus Regional will continue its daily Birmingham service and Ryanair will have an daily service to Liverpool in particular welcomed by the thousands of Liverpool supporters who fly over each week for football matches.

Ireland West Airport Knock Managing Director Joe Gilmore said "We are delighted to be maintaining and growing our extensive network of UK and European destinations for the coming winter season despite the difficult economic climate in both the UK and Ireland. Our airline partners Aer Lingus, Aer LIngus Regional, Flybe and Ryanair recognize the demand that exists in this region for air services to the UK and Europe and we thank our loyal customers who use us from the likes of Mayo, Galway, Donegal and counties in our extended catchment such as Tipperary and Westmeath and many more who continue to support the airport and we will continue to strive to maintain essential air access and add additional services to popular European destinations in the future ".

Aer Lingus-London Gatwick.
Aer Lingus Regional-Birmingham.
Flybe-Edinburgh & Manchester.
Ryanair-Bristol, East Midlands, Liverpool, London Stansted, London Luton, Lanzarote.

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Irish Aviation Research Institute © 16th November 2012 All Rights Reserved.