Signature Flight Support has entered the African market by acquiring South African fixed-base operator (FBO) Cape Aviation Business Centre.
In another deal in September, Signature bought the Privatair FBO at Paris Le Bourget airport, complementing its existing operation at the airport with an additional terminal, nine more hangars and a large-aircraft parking ramp.
Florida, USA-based Signature, which claims to be the world’s largest FBO and distribution network, says the South Africa deal “fits very well with our growing global activities”. The acquisition comes after its purchase of a majority share in Ireland’s FBO Shannon in December 2004, and of London, Heathrow-based Executive Air Services the previous October. The same month, it bought a majority share in Athens Aviation Services.
Cape Aviation Business Centre, formerly owned by National Airways Corporation, offers full aircraft and passenger handling facilities, customs and immigration assistance, fuel and three aircraft hangars. Signature says it will continue the operation “more or less” as it is now. “But we’ll be looking for new business.”
JULIAN MOXON/LONDON
Source: Flight International
