This article is based on an official press release from Vantage Group.

Vantage Group Acquires FSM and AvEnergy, Expanding into Fuel and Glycol Infrastructure

Vantage Group, a global leader in airport and transportation infrastructure development, announced on January 8, 2026, that it has acquired FSM Management Group and its subsidiary, AvEnergy Management Group. The transaction marks a significant vertical integration for Vantage, expanding its portfolio beyond terminal management into critical “upstream” utility operations, including aviation fuel and de-icing infrastructure.

Based in Montreal, FSM Management Group specializes in managing aviation fuel and glycol infrastructure, while AvEnergy serves as its operational arm, handling logistics and energy supply. According to the announcement, FSM currently manages infrastructure at 16 airports across Canada and administers 12 fuel and 4 glycol consortiums. This acquisition positions Vantage Group to oversee the essential, often invisible utility networks that keep major Airports functioning.

Note to Readers: This transaction involves Vantage Group, the Vancouver-based airport and infrastructure developer. It is unrelated to the insurance entity Vantage Group Holdings, which is currently subject to a separate acquisition agreement.

Strategic Rationale: From Terminals to Utilities

Vantage Group, known for leading high-profile projects such as the $4.2 billion development of JFK Terminal 6 and the completed redevelopment of LaGuardia Terminal B, stated that this move is designed to “future-proof” transportation infrastructure. By acquiring FSM and AvEnergy, Vantage gains direct control over the logistics of jet fuel and de-icing fluid (glycol), sectors that are facing increasing pressure to modernize.

Sami Teittinen, Chief Financial Officer of Vantage Group, emphasized the strategic fit of the Acquisitions in the company’s press statement:

“FSM and AvEnergy sit at the heart of the aviation ecosystem across the major Canadian airports with deep expertise in critical aviation infrastructure. This acquisition broadens our footprint beyond cargo and passenger operations… and allows us to continue to future proof critical transportation infrastructure across the globe.”

The deal allows Vantage to offer a more comprehensive “turnkey” solution to airport authorities. Rather than managing only the passenger-facing elements of an airport, the company can now oversee the complex consortiums that Airlines form to share fuel and de-icing costs and infrastructure.

AirPro News Analysis: The Sustainability Play

While the press release highlights operational expansion, AirPro News views this acquisition as a calculated move toward the energy transition. The aviation industry is aggressively pursuing Net Zero goals, heavily reliant on the adoption of SAF and environmentally friendly de-icing practices.

Infrastructure is currently a bottleneck for SAF adoption. By owning the management and logistics arm (FSM/AvEnergy) responsible for fuel farms and hydrants at 16 Canadian airports, Vantage Group places itself in a prime position to lead the physical transition to greener fuels. Control over the “last mile” of fuel delivery gives Vantage a strategic advantage in implementing SAF blending and distribution systems that airports will require in the coming decade.

Operational Footprint and Leadership

FSM Management Group and AvEnergy bring a substantial operational footprint to the Vantage portfolio. FSM acts as an administrator for airline consortiums, groups of carriers that jointly own fuel infrastructure, managing construction, operation, and environmental compliance. AvEnergy provides the on-the-ground logistics to ensure safe delivery.

Robert Iasenza, President of FSM Management Group, noted the alignment between the two organizations regarding innovation and connectivity.

“Vantage Group has built a reputation by bringing innovative ideas to fruition and enhancing Sustainability and connectivity in airports, which aligns well to our priorities.”

Vantage Group is a wholly owned strategic platform of Investcorp Corsair Infrastructure Partners. Its international portfolio includes operations in Cyprus, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and multiple Canadian locations including Hamilton and Fort St. John.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same Vantage Group involved in the insurance acquisition?
No. There are two distinct companies with similar names making headlines this week. This article concerns Vantage Group (Headquarters: Vancouver), an airport and infrastructure developer. The unrelated insurance company, Vantage Group Holdings, is involved in a separate transaction with Howard Hughes Holdings.

What does FSM Management Group do?
FSM specializes in the management of aviation fuel and aircraft de-icing infrastructure. They administer “consortiums,” which are groups of airlines that share ownership of fuel systems at airports, ensuring the infrastructure is maintained, compliant, and operational.

What is the value of the transaction?
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed in the January 8 announcement, as this is a private transaction.

Sources: Vantage Group Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from San Antonio International Airport.

San Antonio International Airport Launches Critical Runway Rehabilitation Project

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has officially commenced a significant pavement rehabilitation project on Runway 13R-31L, the airfield’s primary commercial runway. According to an announcement from airport officials, the construction effort is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 12, 2026, and will continue for approximately eight weeks, with a targeted completion date of March 6, 2026.

The project is described as an interim maintenance measure designed to address pavement deterioration in critical areas. By executing these repairs now, the airport aims to extend the functional life of the runway until a full-depth reconstruction can be performed in the future. During this period, Runway 13R-31L will remain fully closed, with all air traffic diverted to the airport’s crosswind runway, Runway 4-22.

Scope of Work and Investment

The rehabilitation is part of a broader airfield improvement contract awarded to Austin Bridge and Road, valued at approximately $90 million. This larger contract encompasses drainage improvements, pavement rehabilitation, and other essential upgrades. Funding for the project is provided in part by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

According to project details released by the airport, the scope of work includes:

• Concrete Replacement: Removal and replacement of concrete pavement in specific areas showing signs of deterioration.
• Lighting Upgrades: Installation of modern, energy-efficient LED technology to replace the existing electrical lighting system.
• Pavement Markings: Re-establishment of markings across rehabilitated sections to ensure high visibility and safety.

Tim O’Krongley, Deputy Aviation Director, emphasized the necessity of the project in a statement:

“These improvements are essential to maintaining a safe and reliable airfield for our airlines, our partners and our region. We appreciate the community’s patience as the airport completes these essential updates, supporting safer and more efficient airfield operations for years to come.”

Operational and Community Impact

Despite the closure of the primary runway, airport officials have stated that no flight delays are expected. The project timeline was coordinated in advance with the FAA, air traffic control, and airlines to minimize disruption to passenger travel. All commercial traffic will utilize Runway 4-22, which is approximately 8,500 feet long, sufficient to handle the airport’s current operational needs.

Neighborhood Noise Changes

While passengers may not experience changes, local residents likely will. The shift in flight operations means that neighborhoods located northeast and southwest of the airport will experience increased air traffic overhead. Officials noted that these residents will observe “winter air traffic patterns” more frequently due to the exclusive use of Runway 4-22 for the duration of the eight-week project.

Strategic Context: Elevate/SAT

This rehabilitation project is a component of the airport’s larger “Elevate/SAT” Strategic Development Plan. It serves as a bridge to a more permanent solution outlined in the airport’s Master Plan.

Current planning documents suggest that a full-depth reconstruction of Runway 13R-31L is tentatively targeted for a future phase, potentially beginning around 2033, pending funding and environmental clearance. The current repairs ensure the runway remains safe and operational until that major overhaul can be executed.

AirPro News Analysis

The decision to pursue interim rehabilitation rather than immediate full reconstruction reflects a pragmatic approach to infrastructure management at SAT. With the airport projecting passenger growth to exceed 10 million annually and a new Terminal C expected to open around 2028, maintaining maximum airfield availability is crucial. By scheduling these repairs now, before the terminal expansion reaches its peak operational demand, SAT is effectively “clearing the decks” to ensure the airfield can support increased capacity in the coming decade. The use of LED upgrades also aligns with broader industry trends toward sustainability and reduced long-term maintenance costs.

Sources

• San Antonio International Airport (sa.gov)

This article is based on an official press release from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and supplementary data provided in the prompt.

Austin-Bergstrom Finalizes Historic Agreements to Fuel $5 Billion Expansion

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) has officially secured the financial and operational foundation for its next decade of growth. On January 7, 2026, airport officials and major airline partners finalized historic Use and Lease Agreements that will govern operations through September 2035. According to the official announcement, these agreements are critical to enabling the “Journey With AUS” expansion program, a capital improvement effort now valued at over $5 billion.

The finalized contracts involve key signatory partners including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, FedEx, and UPS. By establishing a new rate-setting methodology, the airport can now issue the necessary bonds to fund massive infrastructure projects without relying on local Austin taxpayer dollars. Instead, funding will be derived from airport cash reserves, future revenue bonds, FAA grants, and airline rates.

A New Balance of Power: Airline Realignment

The agreements outline a significant strategic shift in how carriers will operate at AUS over the next ten years. The allocation of gates and terminal space reveals distinct growth strategies for the airport’s top carriers.

Southwest and Delta Anchor Future Concourses

Southwest Airlines, currently the market leader in Austin, has solidified its position as the anchor tenant for the future Concourse B. Data regarding the agreement indicates Southwest is increasing its commitment to approximately 18 to 20 gates. The new facility is expected to open in the early 2030s.

“If there’s [more] gates that become available, we want them here in Austin, because we know that we can grow in this place.”

, Adam Decaire, SVP at Southwest Airlines

Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines is positioning itself as a formidable challenger by becoming the anchor tenant for the redeveloped Barbara Jordan Terminal (Concourse A). Delta has secured 15 preferential gates and committed $250 million to upgrade its footprint, signaling an aggressive growth strategy aimed at 150 daily flights by 2031.

Consolidation and Relocation

While Southwest and Delta pursue expansion, other carriers are adjusting their footprints. American Airlines will consolidate its operations to nine gates, focusing on connectivity to its major hubs rather than aggressive local market expansion. Additionally, ultra-low-cost carriers such as Allegiant and Frontier are set to move operations from the South Terminal to the Barbara Jordan Terminal in early 2026, ahead of the South Terminal’s planned demolition.

Infrastructure Timeline: The “Journey With AUS”

The finalized agreements unlock the capital required to move forward with several high-profile construction projects. The expansion is designed to alleviate current congestion and prepare the facility for long-term passenger growth.

• West Gate Expansion: Slated for completion in 2026, adding approximately 84,500 square feet and three new gates.
• Concourse M: A pre-engineered facility with six gates (four contact, two walk-out) scheduled for construction in 2026 to serve as a relief valve during other construction phases.
• Arrivals/Departures Hall: A new “front door” for the airport consolidating ticketing and security, expected to complete around 2029.
• Concourse B: The centerpiece 20-30 gate facility connected by an underground tunnel, targeting an opening in the early 2030s.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson emphasized the significance of the deal in an official statement.

“Today’s a big deal. Austin is a remarkably successful city right now, and part of the proof of that is you have these major airlines that want to be a part of it.”

, Kirk Watson, Mayor of Austin

AirPro News Analysis

The divergence in strategy between the carriers is the most telling aspect of these new agreements. While American Airlines appears to be retrenching to a hub-and-spoke utility role for Austin travelers, Delta and Southwest are effectively locking horns for market dominance. Delta’s $250 million investment in the existing terminal suggests they are unwilling to wait for the new Concourse B to make their move, opting instead to upgrade the passenger experience immediately.

However, the “mid-term” period between 2026 and 2029 presents operational challenges. With the South Terminal closing and low-cost carriers moving into the main terminal before the new Arrivals/Departures Hall is finished, passengers should expect a period of “musical chairs” involving temporary facilities and shifting checkpoints. The success of this transition will depend heavily on the efficiency of the temporary Concourse M relief valve.

Sources

• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport