This article is based on an official press release from Chorus Aviation Inc. and additional financial reporting.

Chorus Aviation to Acquire Kadex Aero Supply in $50 Million Deal

Chorus Aviation Inc. (TSX: CHR) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Kadex Aero Supply Ltd., a prominent Canadian independent distributor of aircraft parts and maintenance services. The transaction, valued at approximately CAD $50 million, marks a significant step in Chorus Aviation’s strategic pivot toward an “asset-light” business model focused on high-margin aviation services.

According to the company’s announcement on February 12, 2026, the acquisitions is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. The deal was made public alongside Chorus’s fourth-quarter 2025 financial results, which highlighted a return to profitability and a 38% increase in dividends.

Transaction Details and Financial Impact

The agreement outlines a total purchase price of approximately $50 million. Chorus Aviation stated that the payment structure includes an upfront cash component of $43 million to be paid at closing. The remaining balance will be paid as contingent consideration over a two-year period, subject to Kadex achieving specific performance targets.

Chorus Aviation confirmed that the transaction will be funded entirely through existing cash on hand, requiring no new external financing. Management expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to both earnings and free cash flow.

Strategic Rationale

This acquisition is designed to bolster Chorus Aviation’s subsidiary, Voyageur Aviation, which specializes in parts provisioning and engineering. By integrating Kadex, Chorus aims to create a “one-stop-shop” for aviation customers, combining Voyageur’s existing capabilities with Kadex’s extensive distribution network.

Key strategic benefits cited in the announcement include:

• Expansion of Aftermarket Services: Strengthening the parts distribution network to serve a broader client base.
• Synergies with Used Serviceable Materials (USM): Kadex’s distribution channels will complement Chorus’s USM business, which sells parts from dismantled aircraft.
• Recurring Revenue: The parts distribution sector typically offers higher margins and more consistent cash flow compared to traditional airline operations.

Profile: Kadex Aero Supply

Founded in 1994 by John Lavery and Ken Blow, Kadex Aero Supply is headquartered in Peterborough, Ontario, with additional facilities in Calgary, Alberta. The company operates as an independent distributor for over 70 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including brands such as Champion Aerospace and Whelen Aerospace Technologies.

According to financial-results data released regarding the deal, Kadex generated approximately $60 million in revenue in 2025. The company employs approximately 50 staff members. The founders, Lavery and Blow, are expected to remain with the company to oversee operations under Chorus Aviation’s ownership.

AirPro News Analysis

The acquisition of Kadex Aero Supply underscores a broader trend in the aviation industry where holding companies are diversifying away from capital-intensive assets like aircraft leasing. By focusing on the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector, Chorus Aviation is reducing its exposure to the volatility of passenger travel demand.

Global supply-chain constraints have forced airlines to operate older aircraft for longer periods, significantly increasing the demand for aftermarket parts. In our view, acquiring an established distributor like Kadex allows Chorus to capitalize on this “aging fleet” dynamic immediately, without the long lead times associated with building new supply chain infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deal expected to close?

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026.

How is Chorus Aviation paying for the acquisition?

The $50 million purchase price will be funded entirely through Chorus Aviation’s existing cash on hand.

Will the leadership at Kadex change?

Founders John Lavery and Ken Blow are expected to remain with the company to drive continued growth post-acquisition.

What is the financial outlook for Chorus Aviation?

Alongside this acquisition, Chorus reported a full-year net income of $78.7 million for 2025 and announced a share buyback program, signaling a focus on returning capital to shareholders.

Sources

• Chorus Aviation Press Release
• Kadex Aero Supply

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

Sheltair Aviation Unveils New MRO Hangar at Tampa International Airport

Sheltair Aviation and Tampa International Airport (TPA) officials celebrated the opening of a new hangar facility on Thursday, marking a significant expansion of the airport’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities. Located on the north side of Runway 10-28, the new complex,known as Hangar 4300,adds nearly 60,000 square feet of combined hangar and office space to the airport’s general aviation infrastructure.

The opening ceremony, held on February 12, 2026, highlighted the facility’s role in supporting the region’s growing business aviation sector. According to the airport’s official announcement, the project is designed to attract a dedicated MRO provider while currently offering storage solutions for large-cabin aircraft.

Facility Specifications and Capabilities

The newly completed facility at 4300 W. Tampa Bay Blvd. features 50,880 square feet of hangar space and 8,344 square feet of attached office and shop space. The complex also includes a 50,000-square-foot apron to facilitate aircraft staging, fueling, and maneuvering.

Designed to accommodate modern business jets, the hangar is equipped with a 30-foot-high main door and a specialized 45-foot-high tail door system. This configuration allows the facility to house large-cabin and narrow-body aircraft, including up to three Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) simultaneously. Safety features include a foam fire suppression system that meets National Fire Protection Association codes for full MRO operations.

According to reporting by Aviation International News, the complex represents a $15 million investment and was constructed over a 15-month period. While the facility is currently being used for aircraft storage, Sheltair has stated it is targeting a single occupant to provide MRO services for business jets or airline-category aircraft.

Strategic Importance for TPA

This development is the ninth hangar complex for Sheltair at Tampa International Airport, following a four-hangar expansion completed in 2023 on the south side of the airfield. The new north-side location aims to balance the airport’s support infrastructure and meet increasing demand for private aviation services.

“The new MRO hangar represents the future of business aviation at Tampa International Airport. From day one, our goal was to create a facility that not only meets today’s operational needs but anticipates tomorrow’s.”

Lisa Holland, President and CEO of Sheltair Aviation

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Airport officials emphasized that the project aligns with TPA’s broader master plan to enhance general aviation services. Brett Fay, TPA’s Vice President of General Aviation, noted that the investment responds directly to market demand while upgrading the service level available to operators.

AirPro News analysis

The completion of Hangar 4300 signals a shift in Sheltair’s strategy at TPA, moving beyond standard FBO (Fixed Base Operator) storage toward specialized maintenance infrastructure. By constructing a facility purpose-built for MRO operations,complete with high-tail clearances and shop space,Sheltair is positioning TPA to compete more aggressively for heavy maintenance contracts that might otherwise go to competing hubs in the Southeast. The decision to build on the north side of Runway 10-28 also diversifies the airport’s operational footprint, reducing congestion around the main FBO complex on the south side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of the new hangar?
While currently used for aircraft storage, the facility is purpose-built for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations and is marketing for a single tenant provider.

Can the hangar accommodate commercial airliners?
The facility is designed for large-cabin business jets and narrow-body aircraft, such as the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) or Airbus ACJ family.

Who owns the facility?
The facility was developed and is operated by Sheltair Aviation, a private aviation services company, on leased ground at Tampa International Airport.

Sources

• Tampa International Airport

This article is based on an official press release from Piaggio Aerospace and additional industry data provided in the source material.

Piaggio Aerospace Expands North American Support Network with IJSC Designation

In a significant move to strengthen its foothold in the North American market, Piaggio Aerospace has officially designated Intercontinental Jet Service Corp (IJSC) as an authorized service center. Announced on January 28, 2026, this agreement marks the first major expansion of the manufacturer’s service network in the region following its acquisition by the Turkish defense firm Baykar in July 2025.

The partnership formalizes a long-standing relationship between the Italian aircraft manufacturer and the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based maintenance provider. According to the company’s announcement, the agreement focuses on providing comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the P.180 Avanti series, the manufacturer’s flagship turboprop aircraft. This development is a critical component of Piaggio’s broader strategy to restore customer confidence and stabilize its global support infrastructure.

With approximately 50% of the active P.180 Avanti fleet operating in North America, the designation of a central, high-capacity service hub addresses a vital need for operators. The move signals that the manufacturer is transitioning from a period of financial restructuring into an active growth phase, aiming to support both legacy aircraft and future models.

Strategic Revitalization Under New Ownership

This service center designation is not an isolated event but part of a comprehensive “comeback” strategy orchestrated under Piaggio Aerospace’s new ownership. Following years of “extraordinary administration,” the company was acquired by Baykar in mid-2025. Since then, the focus has shifted toward ramping up production and modernizing the fleet.

According to industry data, the manufacturer plans to increase production of the P.180 from a low of 4–5 units annually to a target of 25–30 units per year. Additionally, the company is preparing for the launch of the “Avanti Next,” an updated iteration of the aircraft expected to feature modernized avionics and improved systems. However, executives acknowledge that selling new aircraft requires a robust support network for existing owners.

In the official press release, Piaggio Aerospace CEO Giovanni Tomassini emphasized the forward-looking nature of the agreement:

“This is only the first step of many to enhance both the aircraft and the after-sales service.”

, Giovanni Tomassini, CEO of Piaggio Aerospace

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The Role of Intercontinental Jet Service Corp

Intercontinental Jet Service Corp (IJSC) brings substantial infrastructure and experience to the partnership. Located at Tulsa International Airport (KTUL), IJSC operates a facility spanning over 56,000 square feet, including hangar, shop, and office space. The company is already well-regarded in the turboprop market, holding authorizations for Mitsubishi MU-2 aircraft and Honeywell TPE331 engines.

While the “authorized” designation is new, IJSC’s experience with the P.180 is not. The MRO provider has maintained a relationship with Piaggio for over a decade, servicing the airframe prior to this formal agreement. Their capabilities as a “one-stop-shop”, covering airframe, engines, propellers, and avionics, position them to provide immediate relief to the North American fleet.

AirPro News analysis

The designation of IJSC is a calculated signal to the business aviation market that Piaggio Aerospace is solvent and “open for business.” For years, financial uncertainty surrounding the manufacturer created hesitation among potential buyers and frustration among existing owners regarding parts availability. By formalizing a partnership with a well-established US-based MRO, Piaggio is directly addressing the “service gap” that often plagues niche manufacturers.

Furthermore, the choice of a central location like Tulsa suggests a logistical strategy to serve operators from both coasts efficiently. If the “Avanti Next” is to succeed in the competitive 2026 market, prospective buyers will need assurance that they will not be left stranded without support. This agreement serves as that assurance, laying the groundwork for the sales push of the modernized airframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the P.180 Avanti?
The P.180 Avanti is a twin-engine turboprop known for its unique three-lifting-surface configuration and pusher propellers. It is widely cited as the fastest turboprop in the world, offering jet-like speeds with significantly higher fuel efficiency.

Who owns Piaggio Aerospace?
As of July 2025, Piaggio Aerospace is owned by Baykar, a prominent Turkish defense company best known for its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Will there be more service centers?
The press release indicates that this agreement is the “first step,” implying that further expansions to the service network in North America and other regions are likely as the company ramps up operations.

Sources

• Piaggio Aerospace Press Release