Airbus Purchase Expands ‘Flight Operations’ Technologies

Jet aircraft developer and manufacturer Airbus SAS agreed to acquire 100% of the shares of the Navtech group of companies, a global provider of flight operations services and technologies. While the value of the deal was not announced, Airbus noted the closing is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Fabrice Brégier, Airbus’ president and CEO, said the “acquisition is further affirmation of Airbus’ digitalization and services growth strategies, and is a significant milestone to serve our existing and future customers.”

The seller is Cambridge Information Group, Bethesda, Md., a privately held supplier of information services. Reportedly, Navtech generates annual revenues of around $42 million. It has more than 250 employees worldwide, mainly in Waterloo, Ontario, and in Hersham and Cardiff, Wales.

Mike Hulley, Navtech CEO, said: “The signing of this agreement with Airbus is excellent news for the Navtech teams, who are joining a group with international standing, providing them with access to new markets leveraging on complementary aviation expertise. Our customers will benefit from game-changing innovations and enhanced customer experience of our digital flight operations services.”

Earlier this year, Airbus and Navitech formed a partnership to integrate electronic flight bag (EFB) applications into Airbus aircraft, bringing electronic charts to Navtech airline customers for their Airbus fleets, including the A350, 400M, and future Airbus aircraft.

Navtech serves over 400 aircraft operators and aviation services customers worldwide with a suite of flight ops products, including EFBs, aeronautical charts, navigation data solutions, flight planning, aircraft performance, and crew planning solutions.

“Connecting Navtech’s experience with the ‘Services by Airbus’ network will enable us to be more innovative, diversifying our range of services and flight operations solutions, while providing our customers with greater flexibility,” according to Laurent Martinez, Airbus’ senior vice president of Services.