H.I.G. Capital Acquires International Aerospace Coatings to Expand Global Aviation Services

On May 15, 2026, global alternative investment firm H.I.G. Capital announced the successful acquisition of International Aerospace Coatings (IAC), a premier provider of aircraft painting, engineering, and advanced asset management solutions. The transaction includes IAC’s specialized engineering division, Eirtech Aviation Services (EAS).

This acquisitions marks a significant ownership transition for the aviation services company, which was previously acquired by Tiger Infrastructure Partners in December 2022. According to the official press release, the move is designed to scale IAC’s operations and address a growing global shortfall in dedicated aircraft painting capacity.

By leveraging H.I.G. Capital’s extensive financial resources, IAC intends to expand its geographic footprint, invest heavily in additional hangar infrastructure, and pursue selective add-on acquisitions to meet the escalating demands of the aviation industry.

Strategic Expansion and Industry Demand

Addressing the Capacity Shortfall

The commercial aviation and aerospace sectors are currently navigating a notable bottleneck in global paint and finishing capacity. As airlines, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and aircraft lessors increasingly prioritize rapid turnaround times and consistent quality, dedicated service providers are seeing unprecedented demand. H.I.G. Capital, which manages $75 billion in capital as of May 2026, plans to utilize its institutional backing to help IAC capture a larger share of this expanding market.

In the company’s press release, H.I.G. Capital leadership emphasized the strategic value of IAC’s established market position and operational reliability.

“IAC has built an outstanding reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service. We are pleased to partner with IAC and believe the Company is well positioned to continue gaining share…”
— Doug Berman, Co-President at H.I.G. Capital

Scaling Operations

To meet the industry’s rigorous demands, H.I.G. Capital’s investment strategy focuses on tangible infrastructure growth. The firm has outlined clear intentions to fund the construction of new facilities and explore strategic acquisitions that complement IAC’s existing service portfolio. This approach aims to alleviate the supply chain pressures currently facing major commercial airlines and VIP aircraft fleets.

IAC’s Growth and Recent Milestones

Building a Global Footprint

Dual-headquartered in Irvine, California, and Shannon, Ireland, IAC currently paints over 1,000 aircraft annually. The company operates a comprehensive global portfolio of purpose-built hangars located at major airports across the United States and Europe. IAC was originally established in 2014 following the merger of three leading aviation service providers: Leading Edge Aviation Services, Associated Painters, and Eirtech Aviation.

In recent years, IAC has actively expanded its international presence. According to industry reports, the company opened a new facility in Teruel, Spain, in 2024 under a 40-year concession. Furthermore, IAC recently expanded its network capacity by securing a long-term lease for wide-body and narrow-body hangars at Safi Aviation Park in Malta.

A Strong Financial Foundation

Prior to the H.I.G. Capital acquisition, IAC achieved a major financial milestone in June 2025 by completing a highly successful $240 million strategic financing round. This capital raise included the company’s inaugural issuance of 4(a)2 private placement notes with an investment-grade rating, a first-of-its-kind achievement in the aviation painting industry. The funds were utilized to refinance existing credit facilities and initiate the construction of new purpose-built hangars.

IAC leadership expressed optimism about the new partnership and the operational growth it will unlock.

“We are thrilled to welcome H.I.G. as a partner, as we scale IAC to meet growing demand… With H.I.G.’s experience and resources, we plan to expand our geographic footprint [and] invest in additional hangar capacity.”
— Martin O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer of IAC

Transaction Details

While the specific financial terms of the May 2026 acquisition were not publicly disclosed in the announcement, the advisory teams facilitating the deal were confirmed. RBC Capital Markets, LLC and Ropes & Gray LLP served as the financial and legal advisors, respectively, for H.I.G. Capital. On the other side of the transaction, IAC was advised by Jefferies, LLC and the legal firm Latham & Watkins LLP.

AirPro News analysis

The acquisition of IAC by a $75 billion heavyweight like H.I.G. Capital underscores a broader, accelerating trend of private equity consolidation within the aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. As supply chain constraints and capacity shortages continue to pressure OEMs and commercial operators, specialized service providers with established, hard-to-replicate infrastructure, such as IAC’s purpose-built hangars, have become highly lucrative assets.

The rapid succession of IAC’s ownership, from Vance Street Capital to Tiger Infrastructure Partners in 2022, and now to H.I.G. Capital in 2026, highlights the intense institutional interest in aviation aftermarket services. With airlines desperate to maintain fleet aesthetics and protective coatings without suffering prolonged downtime, private equity firms clearly view aviation painting and asset management as a resilient, high-yield investment vertical.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What services does International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) provide?
IAC is a global aviation services provider specializing in exterior and interior aircraft painting, aircraft refurbishment, and graphics. Its engineering division, Eirtech Aviation Services (EAS), provides specialized engineering and advanced asset management solutions.

Who acquired IAC?
An affiliate of H.I.G. Capital, a multinational alternative investment firm with $75 billion of capital under management, officially acquired IAC on May 15, 2026.

Why is this acquisition significant for the aviation industry?
The aviation industry is currently facing a global shortfall in dedicated aircraft painting capacity. H.I.G. Capital’s acquisition will provide IAC with the financial resources to build new hangars and expand its geographic footprint, helping to alleviate supply chain bottlenecks for airlines and OEMs.

Sources

• H.I.G. Capital Press Release

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially backed a proposal from European aerospace manufacturer Airbus to build a domestic aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility. The agreement, reached during the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, in May 2026, marks a significant step toward establishing Nigeria as a central aviation services hub in West Africa.

According to reporting by The Guardian Nigeria, the high-level discussions extended beyond civil aviation infrastructure to include urgent military procurements. The Nigerian government is actively seeking to modernize its defense capabilities, prioritizing the delivery of attack helicopters and tactical transport aircraft to combat ongoing asymmetric security threats.

This dual-pronged approach, targeting both economic revitalization through localized aviation services and enhanced national security, highlights the administration’s broader strategy to stabilize the region, empower domestic airlines, and reduce a heavy reliance on foreign maintenance facilities.

Building a Domestic Aviation Hub

Tackling Capital Flight

Historically, Nigerian airlines have faced severe financial burdens due to the lack of domestic MRO infrastructure. Industry data cited in the provided research report indicates that local carriers spend an estimated $200 million annually ferrying aircraft overseas for routine servicing. This practice not only drains foreign exchange reserves but also significantly increases operational costs for domestic operators.

By partnering with Airbus, the Nigerian government aims to retain these funds within the continent. The proposed Airbus MRO hub is expected to drastically reduce turnaround times for aircraft maintenance, shielding domestic operators from foreign exchange volatility and keeping aviation revenues circulating within the local economy.

Financial Structuring and Leasing

To further support local airlines, President Tinubu and the Airbus delegation, led by Thierry Cloutet, Head of Regional Business Growth for Africa and the Middle East, explored the creation of a domestic aviation leasing framework.

The Guardian Nigeria notes that the parties discussed long-term financing solutions, including export credit arrangements and sale-and-lease-back structures. This development follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier in May 2026 in Toulouse, France, between Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and Airbus. That initial agreement focused on aviation market intelligence, crew and maintenance training, and MRO advisory services.

Accelerating Military Procurement

Urgent Need for Attack Helicopters

Amid ongoing counterterrorism operations against factions like ISWAP in the Lake Chad Basin and various bandit groups across the country, national security remains a pressing concern. During the Kigali meeting, President Tinubu emphasized the critical need for immediate air support to navigate difficult terrains.

“Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” President Tinubu stated during the discussions.

The administration is pushing for the fast-tracked delivery of three Apache attack helicopters previously ordered by the country, aiming to provide the military with the necessary firepower and close-air-support assets to secure volatile regions.

Tactical Transport Upgrades

In addition to attack helicopters, the discussions advanced Nigeria’s planned acquisition of the Airbus C-295 tactical transport aircraft. The C-295 platform is highly versatile, utilized globally for troop transport, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), logistics resupply, and humanitarian missions. Integrating this aircraft into the Nigerian Air Force fleet is expected to significantly boost logistics and rapid deployment capabilities across the nation.

Broader Industry and Security Context

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the Airbus endorsement is not an isolated event but part of a comprehensive, multi-year strategy by Nigeria to achieve aviation self-sufficiency. The government and private sector have been aggressively pursuing MRO developments to capture the West African market and stem the tide of capital flight.

For instance, in late 2025, the Nigerian government announced a landmark partnership with U.S. manufacturer Boeing and the UK’s Cranfield University to develop internationally certified MRO facilities. Furthermore, in September 2025, Air Peace, West Africa’s largest airline, broke ground on a massive 34,000-square-meter maintenance facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The addition of Airbus to this roster of partners suggests a highly competitive environment where major global aerospace manufacturers are vying for a foothold in Africa’s largest economy.

On the defense front, this aerospace push aligns with recent tactical successes, including a joint US-Nigeria military operation in May 2026 that eliminated a senior ISWAP commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki. By simultaneously upgrading civil aviation infrastructure and military air mobility, the Tinubu administration appears to be attempting to create a stabilized environment conducive to long-term foreign investment, supported by a recently restructured national security apparatus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an MRO facility?

MRO stands for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul. In aviation, an MRO facility is a specialized location where aircraft are taken for routine servicing, inspections, and major repairs to ensure they meet strict safety and airworthiness standards.

Why is Nigeria partnering with Airbus for maintenance?

Nigeria currently lacks sufficient domestic MRO infrastructure, forcing local airlines to spend an estimated $200 million annually on overseas maintenance. The Airbus partnership aims to build local facilities, reducing capital flight, lowering operational costs, and minimizing turnaround times for domestic fleets.

What military aircraft is Nigeria acquiring?

According to the recent discussions, Nigeria is prioritizing the fast-tracked delivery of three Apache attack helicopters to combat terrorism. Additionally, the country is advancing plans to acquire the Airbus C-295 tactical transport aircraft to enhance military logistics and rapid deployment capabilities.

Sources: The Guardian Nigeria

This article summarizes reporting by Maeil Business Newspaper. This article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.

We are tracking a major development in the Asia-Pacific aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector. South Korea has officially initiated its first passenger-to-freighter (P2F) aircraft conversion project. According to reporting by Maeil Business Newspaper, a Boeing 777 passenger jet arrived at Incheon International Airport’s Advanced Aviation Complex on May 13, 2026, to undergo extensive structural modifications.

This milestone project is a collaborative effort involving the Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), and domestic maintenance firm Sharp Technics K (STK). The initiative marks a strategic pivot for South Korea, transitioning the nation from a traditional flight operations hub into a specialized manufacturing and maintenance center for global aviation.

The Inaugural Boeing 777 Conversion

Timeline and Training Focus

The first aircraft slated for conversion is a Boeing 777 owned by AerCap Holdings N.V., recognized as the world’s largest aircraft lessor. The jet departed Istanbul, Türkiye, on May 1, 2026, before arriving at the Incheon hangar. Following the conversion process, the freighter is scheduled for delivery in October 2026 to Fly Meta, a Hong Kong-based aviation leasing and solutions provider that has been actively expanding its wide-body freighter fleet.

As detailed in the source report, the initial conversion will take approximately 180 days. While standard wide-body conversions typically require about 120 days, this inaugural project incorporates an additional 60 days specifically dedicated to workforce training and the establishment of systematic operational procedures. This upfront investment in human capital is designed to streamline future conversions and make South Korea a highly competitive player in the MRO market.

Strategic Partnerships and Facility Capabilities

The IAI and STK Joint Venture

The foundation for this P2F initiative was established in May 2021, when IIAC signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Israel’s state-owned IAI and South Korea’s STK, followed by a formal implementation agreement in 2023. IAI brings critical technology transfer to the region, holding the necessary certifications to convert Boeing 777-300ERs into freighters.

By transferring this highly specialized remodeling technology to South Korea, domestic companies will be empowered to directly manage the specifications of the parts needed for conversion. According to the source report, this localization is expected to significantly boost the domestic aviation parts industry.

The physical conversion is taking place within a newly constructed 2.5-bay hangar spanning 69,427 square meters at the Incheon Airport Advanced Aviation Complex. According to project specifications, this facility can simultaneously accommodate two wide-body aircraft and one narrow-body aircraft.

Economic Impact and Long-Term Vision

Scaling Production by 2040

South Korea has outlined aggressive growth targets for its MRO sector. IIAC plans to scale its operations to convert up to six aircraft annually by 2029. Looking further ahead to 2040, Incheon Airport aims to attract 92 aging aircraft for conversion.

With conversion costs estimated at 11 billion won per aircraft, the corporation projects this long-term initiative will generate 1 trillion won in cumulative exports and create 2,100 high-skilled jobs.

In a statement highlighted by Maeil Business Newspaper, Sang-Yong Lee, Head of the New Business Division at IIAC, emphasized the strategic goals of the project:

“Based on our world-class network and infrastructure competitiveness, we will actively attract leading global companies in aircraft maintenance…”

Acting President of IIAC, Kim Beom-ho, also confirmed the successful arrival ceremony on May 13, officially launching the cargo conversion program.

AirPro News analysis

We view South Korea’s entry into the P2F market as a timely response to global supply chain demands. The booming international e-commerce industry has created a massive requirement for high-capacity cargo aircraft. As older wide-body freighters, such as the Boeing 747, reach the end of their operational lifespans, airlines are increasingly turning to converted passenger jets to fill the logistical gap.

The converted Boeing 777-300ERSF, often referred to in the industry as the “Big Twin,” is particularly attractive to logistics operators. Industry data indicates it offers 25 percent more cargo capacity than older twin-engine long-haul freighters and consumes 21 percent less fuel than the Boeing 747F.

Furthermore, this cargo conversion facility acts as an anchor for Incheon’s broader strategy to build a comprehensive, one-stop aviation maintenance cluster. With Korean Air investing in a 176 billion won hangar facility and Trinity Airways (formerly T’way Air) developing new large hangars, the Advanced Aviation Complex is rapidly positioning itself as a premier MRO destination in the Asia-Pacific region. IIAC’s ongoing efforts to attract an aircraft painting hangar will eventually cover the final stages of aircraft maintenance, completing the local supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a P2F conversion?

Passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion is the complex engineering process of modifying a retired or aging passenger aircraft into a dedicated cargo plane, thereby extending its operational lifespan and utility.

Who is receiving the first converted aircraft from South Korea?

The first converted Boeing 777 will be delivered to Fly Meta, a Hong Kong-based aviation leasing and ACMI/CMI solutions provider, in October 2026.

Why does the first conversion take 180 days?

While the industry standard for a wide-body conversion is 120 days, the inaugural project includes an extra 60 days for specialized workforce training and establishing rigorous operational procedures.

Sources

• Maeil Business Newspaper