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

The Blackhawk Group Expands to Alaska with Acquisition of Silver Sky Aviation

On January 7, 2026, The Blackhawk Group (TBG) officially announced the acquisition of Silver Sky Aviation, a specialized maintenance and service provider located in Wasilla, Alaska. This strategic move establishes TBG’s sixth Performance Center and marks its first physical entry into the Alaskan market, a region globally recognized for its heavy reliance on high-performance turboprop aircraft.

According to the company’s press release, Silver Sky Aviation will transition to operate as a Blackhawk Performance Center. The facility, based at Wolf Lake Airport (4AK6), joins an existing network of centers across the United States, including locations in Texas, Missouri, Colorado, Arizona, and California. The acquisition aims to integrate Silver Sky’s local maintenance expertise with Blackhawk’s global resources, specifically targeting operators who face the unique and demanding flight conditions of the “Last Frontier.”

Strategic Expansion into a Critical Turboprop Market

The decision to expand into Alaska addresses a specific logistical reality: aviation is a necessity rather than a luxury for much of the state. Industry data indicates that over 80% of Alaskan communities are not connected by the road system, making air travel the primary method for cargo transport, medical evacuation, and passenger travel.

In the official announcement, The Blackhawk Group noted that the region is a “lifeline” market for turboprop airframes, particularly the Cessna Caravan, King Air, and Pilatus PC-12. These aircraft serve as the workhorses of the Alaskan economy, which benefits from an estimated $3.8 billion annual contribution from the aviation sector.

By establishing a Performance Center in Wasilla, TBG intends to offer local operators faster access to maintenance and upgrades. Previously, major performance upgrades often required ferrying aircraft to the “Lower 48” states, incurring significant downtime and expense. The new center allows for factory-level support directly within the region.

Enhancing Performance for Rugged Conditions

The acquisition aligns with Blackhawk’s core competency: engine upgrades that enhance safety and performance margins. Alaskan pilots frequently operate on short, unimproved gravel runways and must contend with severe icing conditions and mountainous terrain.

Blackhawk’s XP Engine+ Upgrades are designed to address these specific challenges. For example, the XP140 upgrade for the Cessna Caravan increases shaft horsepower (SHP) from 675 to 867. According to performance metrics cited in the research accompanying the announcement, this power increase can reduce takeoff distances by 20-30% and improve climb rates by 40-60%. Such improvements are critical for pilots needing to clear terrain quickly or depart from short strips with heavy loads.

Leadership Perspectives

Both companies emphasized the cultural and operational fit of the acquisition. Chad Cundiff, CEO of The Blackhawk Group, highlighted the necessity of high performance in the region.

“Turboprops are a lifeline for operators in the region… Silver Sky’s reputation for technical expertise, customer support, and operational excellence, combined with the resources of The Blackhawk Group, will accelerate capability expansion.”

, Chad Cundiff, CEO of The Blackhawk Group

Aaron McCarty, the founder of Silver Sky Aviation who established the company in 2014, expressed optimism about the future of the facility under the TBG banner.

“Joining The Blackhawk Group allows us to expand our capabilities… and create new opportunities and benefits for our team while maintaining our focus on safety and reliability.”

, Aaron McCarty, Founder of Silver Sky Aviation

AirPro News Analysis

Consolidating the “Bush” Aviation Aftermarket

This Acquisitions signals a maturing of the aftermarket support landscape for utility aviation. The Blackhawk Group, a portfolio company of New State Capital Partners formed in 2022, has been aggressively consolidating specialized aviation service providers. By acquiring Silver Sky, TBG is not just buying a facility; they are capturing a captive audience.

Alaska represents one of the highest concentrations of turboprop utilization in the world. Operators there prioritize reliability and takeoff performance over almost all other metrics. By placing the source of those upgrades, specifically the XP engine series, directly in the local market, TBG effectively shortens the supply chain. We anticipate this will lead to a higher adoption rate of engine upgrades among commercial operators in the region who previously may have hesitated due to the logistics of installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new Blackhawk Performance Center located?

The new center is located at Wolf Lake Airports (4AK6) in Wasilla, Alaska, at the facility formerly operated by Silver Sky Aviation.

What services will be available at this location?

The location will continue to offer maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services and will now serve as a direct installation center for Blackhawk’s engine upgrades, including those for the Cessna Caravan and King Air series.

Does this affect Silver Sky Aviation’s existing certifications?

Silver Sky was already an Authorized Service Center for the Cessna Caravan and Daher Kodiak. The press release indicates that the local team and capabilities will be retained and expanded, implying these certifications will remain central to their operations.

Sources

• PR Newswire (The Blackhawk Group)

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

On January 16, 2026, TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE: TDG) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquisitions two aerospace aftermarket companies, Jet Parts Engineering and Victor Sierra Aviation Holdings, from private equity firm Vance Street Capital. The transaction is valued at approximately $2.2 billion in cash.

According to the company’s announcement, the strategy aligns with TransDigm’s long-standing strategy of consolidating proprietary aerospace component manufacturers with strong aftermarket revenue streams. The deal is expected to be funded through existing cash on hand, as of September 30, 2025, TransDigm reported holding approximately $2.8 billion in liquidity.

Transaction Details and Financial Impact

The acquisition includes two distinct entities that collectively generated approximately $280 million in revenue for the calendar year ending December 31, 2025. TransDigm stated that the purchase price includes certain tax benefits, though specific EBITDA multiples were not disclosed in the initial release.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals in the United States. Upon closing, both acquired companies will be integrated into TransDigm’s decentralized business model, where subsidiaries typically operate as independent units.

Profile of Acquired Entities

Both Jet Parts Engineering (JPE) and Victor Sierra Aviation Holdings (VSA) specialize in Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) components. These are FAA-approved alternatives to original equipment OEMs, a sector known for high margins and cost-efficiency for operators.

Jet Parts Engineering (JPE)

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, JPE employs approximately 300 people. The company focuses on proprietary PMA parts and engineered repair solutions (DER repairs) for commercial, regional, and cargo airlines. Their portfolio includes replacement components for propulsion, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.

Victor Sierra Aviation Holdings (VSA)

Based in Baldwin City, Kansas, VSA employs roughly 400 staff and operates as a holding company for several general and business aviation brands. Key subsidiaries under the VSA umbrella include:

• McFarlane Aviation: A provider of general aviation replacement parts such as cables and engine controls.
• Tempest Aero Group: Specialists in ignition and filtration systems.
• Aviation Products Systems: Suppliers of wheel and brake components.

AirPro News Analysis

This acquisition underscores TransDigm’s continued aggressive capital deployment in the post-2025 aerospace market. By targeting companies with nearly 100% aftermarket revenue, TransDigm is reinforcing its defensive moat, aftermarket parts are historically more recession-resilient than OEM Manufacturing.

The deal follows closely on the heels of TransDigm’s late 2025 agreement to acquire Stellant Systems for $960 million. The market reaction appears favorable, with TDG shares trading up approximately 1.7% following the news, suggesting investor confidence in the company’s ability to integrate these high-margin assets effectively.

Sources:

• TransDigm Group (PRNewswire)
• Benzinga Financial News
• Morningstar

This article is based on an official press release from CORE Industrial Partners.

AxioAero Group Expands MRO Capabilities with Acquisition of Airway Aerospace

AxioAero Group, a portfolio company of the private equity firm CORE Industrial Partners, has officially announced the Acquisitions of Airway Aerospace LLC. The transaction, announced on January 7, 2026, marks a significant expansion for the Florida-based aerospace platform as it seeks to vertically integrate aftermarket services.

This acquisition represents the second major investment for the AxioAero platform. It follows the January 2024 purchase of Aviation Concepts, LLC, a distributor of mission-critical aircraft parts. By acquiring Airway Aerospace, AxioAero aims to combine parts distribution with specialized maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, creating a more robust service offering for commercial and military aviation clients.

Strategic Rationale: Vertical Integration

According to the press release, the primary driver behind this transaction is the creation of a vertically integrated aftermarket aerospace platform. The integration of Airway Aerospace is designed to complement the existing capabilities of Aviation Concepts.

Jason Fulton, a Partner at CORE Industrial Partners, highlighted the operational benefits of this combination in a statement regarding the deal:

“Combining ACI’s [Aviation Concepts] parts distribution network with Airway’s repair offerings improves turnaround times and delivers greater value to customers.”

The strategy focuses on offering a “one-stop” solution that can reduce turnaround times, a critical metric in the aviation industry, by housing both component supply and repair services under one umbrella. The deal also expands AxioAero’s market reach across cargo, commercial, and defense sectors.

Target Profile: Airway Aerospace

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Doral, Florida, Airway Aerospace operates as an FAA-certified repair station. The company holds certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the EASA, and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), allowing it to service a global customer base.

Airway specializes in the repair and overhaul of critical aircraft components, including:

• Hydraulics and pneumatics
• Fuel systems and flight controls
• Electrical components
• Thrust reversers and nacelles

The company services a wide range of aircraft platforms, including the Boeing 737, 747, and 767, as well as the Airbus A320 family, A300, and A330. It also supports military variants such as the Boeing 707. Additionally, Airway possesses RS-DER (Repair Specification Designated Engineering Representative) authority, enhancing its technical engineering capabilities.

Executive Commentary

Matt Haugk, CEO of AxioAero Group, emphasized the forward-looking nature of the acquisition in the company’s announcement:

“The acquisition of Airway Aerospace marks an important step in AxioAero’s strategy to build a differentiated platform in the aerospace aftermarket… Together, we will continue to expand capabilities and deliver value to customers worldwide.”

Joe Ferrer, the owner of Airway Aerospace, will remain with the company following the transaction. He expressed confidence in the partnership’s ability to support growth while maintaining the company’s established culture:

“We view AxioAero Group as the ideal partner to support our continued growth while ensuring the Company retains its core identity, culture, and small-business agility.”

AirPro News Analysis

We observe that this transaction aligns with broader trends in the aerospace MRO sector, where private equity firms are increasingly consolidating fragmented markets. By acquiring specialized repair stations like Airway, platforms like AxioAero can mitigate supply chain volatility. Owning both the parts distribution (via Aviation Concepts) and the repair capability (via Airway) provides a hedge against the parts shortages that have plagued the post-2020 aviation landscape. Furthermore, with aging fleets of B737 and A320 aircraft requiring more frequent maintenance, the demand for the specific component repairs offered by Airway is likely to remain strong.

Sources

• Business Wire