Business Aviation
Volatus Aerospace Completes Full Acquisition of Synergy Aviation
Volatus Aerospace finalizes acquisition of Synergy Aviation, consolidating operations and expanding into the US oil and gas market with a new Tulsa base.
This article is based on an official press release from Volatus Aerospace.
Volatus Aerospace Inc. has officially completed its acquisitions of Synergy Aviation Ltd., purchasing the remaining 41.53% minority interest to make the charter and aircraft management company a wholly owned subsidiary. The transaction, finalized on March 13, 2026, marks a significant milestone in Volatus’s strategy to consolidate its commercial aircraft operations under a single corporate umbrella.
According to the official press release, this move aligns governance, capital allocation, and operational execution across the company’s diverse platform. Volatus currently operates across multiple aviation sectors, including traditional crewed aviation, remotely piloted systems (drones), and mission-critical operations. By eliminating minority interests, the company aims to streamline coordination between its aviation, training, engineering, and manufacturing divisions.
We note that this acquisition is part of a broader growth trajectory for Volatus. Industry data provided in the accompanying research report indicates the company’s market capitalization has reached approximately $378 million, following a 391% stock surge over the past year. The full integration of Synergy Aviation also sets the stage for the company’s impending cross-border expansion into the United States.
The path to full ownership of Synergy Aviation has been a multi-year process for Volatus. As detailed in the announcement, Volatus initially acquired a 51% controlling interest in Synergy in 2022. In 2025, the company increased its ownership stake by 7.47%, bringing it to 58.47%. The definitive agreement to acquire the final 41.53% was announced on March 4, 2026, and officially closed nine days later.
To fund the completion of the transaction, Volatus issued an aggregate of 2,444,243 common voting shares to the minority shareholders of Synergy. The company stated that the share consideration was priced based on the 30-day volume-weighted average price of Volatus’s common voting shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) prior to closing.
Because the transaction involved Marc Hanatshek, a minority shareholder and director of Synergy, it was subject to specific regulatory oversight.
The deal was classified as a “related party transaction” under Multilateral Instrument 61-101, according to the official release.
However, the transaction was exempt from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements. The press release noted this exemption was granted because the fair market value of the consideration paid did not exceed 25% of Volatus’s total market capitalization. Synergy Aviation brings substantial physical assets and operational experience to the Volatus portfolio. Synergy is a Canadian charter and commercial-aircraft management company with a strong footprint in Western Canada, specializing in fixed-wing charter services and aerial surveillance. The subsidiary heavily supports the oil and gas sector, forestry, and government agencies.
According to the provided company background, Synergy operates a fleet of over 20 aircraft, which includes Robinson R44 helicopters and Cessna fixed-wing aircraft. Furthermore, to proactively combat the global pilot shortage, Synergy operates its own flight training school based in Villeneuve, Alberta. This school creates a steady pipeline of capable pilots for its utility and surveillance operations, a critical asset as Volatus scales its crewed aviation division.
The full integration of Synergy directly complements Volatus’s recently announced cross-border expansion. The company is establishing a new operational aviation base in Tulsa, Oklahoma. According to the release, this base is scheduled to commence commercial aircraft operations in late March 2026, specifically designed to support the U.S. oil and gas sector.
Led by CEO Glen Lynch, Volatus has positioned itself at the convergence of traditional manned aviation and the rapidly growing uncrewed aviation market. The company’s recent history includes a major merger with Drone Delivery Canada in August 2024, which significantly expanded its drone logistics and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities.
The first quarter of 2026 has been highly active for the aerospace firm. On March 2, 2026, the company launched SKYDRA™, a proprietary counter-drone platform. Shortly after, on March 11, 2026, Volatus executed a contracts to develop and commercialize heavy-lift offshore cargo drone deliveries for wind turbine operations, covering ship-to-structure, ship-to-ship, and ship-to-shore logistics.
Reflecting this maturing corporate stability and growth, Volatus recently received conditional approval to graduate from the TSX Venture Exchange to the primary Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).
We view Volatus Aerospace’s complete acquisition of Synergy Aviation as a calculated maneuver to bridge the gap between traditional manned aviation and the rapidly expanding uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) market. By securing full control over a profitable, established crewed operator with its own pilot training pipeline, Volatus mitigates operational risks while scaling its advanced drone logistics. Furthermore, the timing of the Tulsa, Oklahoma expansion suggests a deliberate strategy to leverage Synergy’s extensive Canadian oil and gas surveillance expertise and apply it directly to the lucrative North-America energy sector.
What is Volatus Aerospace? Why did Volatus acquire 100% of Synergy Aviation? How was the acquisition funded?
Financial and Regulatory Details of the Acquisition
Share Issuance and Valuation
Regulatory Exemptions
Strategic Consolidation and U.S. Expansion
Integrating Crewed and Uncrewed Operations
The Tulsa Connection
Broader Industry Context for Volatus Aerospace
Recent Milestones and TSX Graduation
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Volatus Aerospace Inc. is a Canadian-based global aerospace and defense company that provides integrated aviation, uncrewed logistics (drones), domestic aerospace manufacturing, and advanced autonomy capabilities.
Achieving 100% ownership allows Volatus to eliminate minority interests and bring all commercial aircraft operations under a single brand, simplifying coordination across its aviation, training, engineering, and manufacturing divisions.
Volatus issued 2,444,243 common voting shares to the minority shareholders of Synergy, priced based on the 30-day volume-weighted average price of Volatus’s shares on the TSXV.
Sources
Photo Credit: Volatus Aerospace
Business Aviation
NBAA Advocates for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policies on Capitol Hill
NBAA leaders met with Congress to promote bipartisan bills supporting sustainable aviation fuel and the industry’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
This article is based on an official press release from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
Business aviation leaders converged on Washington, D.C., to advocate for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) policies and the industry’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. According to an official press release from the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the March 18 “CLIMBING. FAST.” Capitol Hill Fly-In brought together professionals from across the country for a daylong series of meetings with congressional lawmakers and their staff.
The NBAA stated that the event was designed to highlight the industry’s essential role in supporting 1.3 million American jobs and generating nearly $340 billion in economic output. Throughout the fly-in, delegates emphasized the importance of strengthening American energy independence and supporting rural economies through the advancement of clean fuels and sustainable technologies.
A primary focus of the Capitol Hill meetings was the scaling of sustainable aviation fuel production. Members of the NBAA’s Environmental Committee urged Congress to advance key bipartisan legislation that would provide long-term incentives for SAF producers.
Specifically, the organization advocated for the Securing America’s Fuels Act (H.R. 6518/S. 3759), which aims to restore the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit for SAF to $1.75 per gallon and extend it through 2033. The committee also pushed for the Farm to Fly Act (H.R. 1719, S. 114), a bill that would designate SAF as an advanced biofuel eligible for support programs under the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“The reduced tax credit has made it more financially advantageous for producers to make renewable diesel instead of SAF. Restoring the credit to $1.75 is critical to give producers the confidence to continue building production capacity.”
According to the NBAA, business aviation has already reduced its carbon footprint by 40% over the past four decades, with modern aircraft operating approximately 35% more efficiently than previous generations. The association noted that SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
To push these legislative priorities forward, industry representatives held targeted discussions with key policymakers and committee staff. The NBAA detailed that delegates met with a representative for California’s 40th congressional district, alongside staff members for several prominent lawmakers.
According to the release, the delegation met with staff for House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-6-MN), Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-13-FL), Rep. Randy Fine (R-6-FL), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-1-SC), Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-23-FL), Rep. Luz Rivas (D-29-CA), Rep. Dwight Evans (D-3-PA), and Rep. Buddy Carter (R-1-GA). The committee also focused heavily on the legislative bodies responsible for tax incentives and financial policy. They met with Michael Hawthorne and Grace Enda from the Senate Finance Committee, which is chaired by Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and whose ranking member is Sen. Wyden (D-OR). Additionally, discussions were held with Nick O’Boyle and Andrew Grossman from the House Committee on Ways and Means, chaired by Rep. Jason Smith (R-8-MO) and whose ranking member is Rep. Richard Neal (D-1-MA).
“Members of Congress need to hear directly from their constituents about why these priorities matter. Today’s CLIMBING. FAST. fly-in demonstrated that business aviation leaders across every segment of our industry… are united behind policies that would accelerate progress toward net-zero emissions.”
We note that the targeted meetings with the Senate Finance Committee and the House Committee on Ways and Means underscore the aviation industry’s current strategic priority: securing favorable tax frameworks. The push to restore the Section 45Z credit to $1.75 per gallon highlights a significant economic hurdle in the green transition. Without competitive tax incentives, fuel producers naturally gravitate toward more profitable alternatives like renewable diesel, leaving the aviation sector struggling to secure the SAF volumes necessary to meet its 2050 net-zero targets. By mobilizing professionals from across the country, the NBAA is attempting to reframe aviation sustainability not just as an environmental imperative, but as a driver of rural economic growth and domestic energy independence.
According to the NBAA, CLIMBING. FAST. is a branded, multi-platform industrywide advocacy campaign designed to showcase the societal and economic benefits of business aviation to policymakers, while highlighting the sector’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The Securing America’s Fuels Act (H.R. 6518/S. 3759) is bipartisan legislation that would restore the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit for sustainable aviation fuel to $1.75 per gallon and extend the credit through 2033, incentivizing increased production.
Advocating for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Legislation
Engaging with Congressional Leaders
AirPro News analysis
FAQ: Business Aviation and Sustainability
What is the CLIMBING. FAST. initiative?
What is the Securing America’s Fuels Act?
Photo Credit: City of Washington DC
Business Aviation
Gama Aviation Acquires Hunt & Palmer to Expand Global Charter Services
Gama Aviation acquires Hunt & Palmer, adding cargo segment and expanding global charter market with offices in UK, USA, Hong Kong, and Australia.
This article is based on an official press release from Gama Aviation.
Gama Aviation has announced the acquisitions of Hunt & Palmer, a prominent international aircraft charter broker. The strategic move significantly expands Gama Aviation’s footprint in the global charter market and introduces the company to the cargo-aircraft segment, broadening its overall service portfolio.
Founded in 1986, Hunt & Palmer has built a four-decade reputation serving clients across business aviation, commercial charter, music touring, and cargo operations. The brokerage operates globally, maintaining offices in the United Kingdom, the United States, Hong Kong, and Australia to support complex charter requirements and carrier relationships.
According to the official press release, Hunt & Palmer will retain its well-known brand identity. The company will continue operating with its existing teams and service culture under the Gama Aviation Group umbrella, ensuring continuity for its loyal client base.
The acquisition aligns with Gama Aviation’s broader strategy to enhance its aircraft management and charter offerings. By integrating Hunt & Palmer’s established brokerage network, Gama Aviation aims to increase its attractiveness to aircraft owners seeking charter opportunities for both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.
In the company press release, Marwan Khalek, Group CEO of Gama Aviation, highlighted the strategic benefits of the deal and the new capabilities it brings to the group.
“Strategically, the acquisition allows us to significantly increase our share of the global charter market, enter a new segment (Cargo) and enhance our aircraft management offering. I expect Hunt & Palmer to play an important role in growing our business aviation activities further,” Khalek stated.
Graham Williamson, Managing Director of Aircraft Management & Charter at Gama Aviation, noted in the release that the company consistently expanded its boutique services across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East throughout 2025. The addition of Hunt & Palmer is expected to accelerate these growth efforts and increase the company’s appeal to aircraft owners seeking charter opportunities.
For Hunt & Palmer, the acquisition represents a significant milestone after nearly 40 years of independent operation. The brokerage has cultivated a strong industry presence by delivering highly tailored charter solutions across multiple aviation sectors. Jeremy Palmer, Co-Founder of Hunt & Palmer, reflected on the company’s growth since its inception and expressed confidence in the transition.
“When we started Hunt & Palmer in 1986, we didn’t imagine 40 years later it would grow to be one the most respected, award-winning businesses in the sector. It is a testament to the hard work and commitment our staff that an admired entity such as Gama Aviation are keen to add Hunt & Palmer to their stable. I am pleased to be handing the business over to Gama Aviation, where I know that it will thrive in its next phase,” Palmer said in the press release.
The press release confirms that clients will experience no disruption. Hunt & Palmer will maintain its current expertise, global office network, and commitment to high-quality charter solutions.
We observe that the consolidation of charter brokerages and aircraft management firms reflects an ongoing trend in the business aviation sector. By acquiring an established broker like Hunt & Palmer, Gama Aviation not only secures a new revenue stream in cargo and commercial charter but also creates a synergistic relationship. We believe Gama Aviation’s managed fleet can potentially be more effectively chartered out to Hunt & Palmer’s extensive global client base, optimizing aircraft utilization for owners while providing the brokerage with reliable inventory.
Hunt & Palmer is an international aircraft charter broker founded in 1986. The company specializes in business aviation, commercial charter, music touring, and cargo, operating from offices in the UK, USA, Hong Kong, and Australia.
No. According to the Gama Aviation press release, Hunt & Palmer will continue to operate under its existing, well-known brand within the Gama Aviation Group.
The acquisition expands Gama Aviation’s global charter market share, introduces the company to the cargo segment, and enhances its aircraft management services by providing more charter opportunities for managed aircraft owners.
Strategic Expansion and Market Reach
A New Chapter for Hunt & Palmer
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hunt & Palmer?
Will Hunt & Palmer change its name following the acquisition?
How does this acquisition benefit Gama Aviation?
Sources
Photo Credit: Gama Aviation
Business Aviation
Rotortrade Launches U.S. Helicopter Leasing Platform RotorLease
Rotortrade launches RotorLease, a U.S.-based helicopter leasing platform featuring AW169, AW139, and Airbus H145 models with flexible lease terms.
This article is based on an official press release from Rotortrade.
Global helicopter dealership Rotortrade has officially commenced operations for RotorLease, a dedicated U.S.-based leasing platform. The launch, announced in a company press release, comes one year after the initiative was first unveiled at the Verticon aviation exposition.
RotorLease is designed to originate, manage, and administer rotorcraft leasing transactions, serving as a core component of Rotortrade’s broader financing strategy. The new entity enters the market with a dedicated corporate structure and a specialized team of aviation finance professionals.
According to the company, this operational launch solidifies Rotortrade’s transition into an integrated helicopter lifecycle solutions provider. The move completes a three-pillar business model that now encompasses helicopter sales, maintenance services, and financing solutions.
RotorLease begins its operational phase with an initial portfolio of seven helicopters. According to the press release, this starting fleet comprises Leonardo AW169, Leonardo AW139, and Airbus H145 models.
Looking ahead, the company has established a medium-term objective to concentrate its fleet primarily around the Airbus H145 and Leonardo AW139 platforms. Rotortrade noted that these specific aircraft types were selected to meet sustained market demand across emergency medical services (EMS), offshore energy, utility, and governmental missions.
To accommodate diverse operator needs, RotorLease is offering a variety of financial structures. The platform provides operating leases, commonly known as dry leases, as well as financial leases structured as lease-to-purchase agreements. According to the company, lease tenures will range from short-term one-year contracts to mid-term agreements spanning five to seven years.
The leasing platform also integrates structured financing mechanisms that align with country-specific compliance frameworks, including the Cape Town Convention, ensuring secure cross-border transactions. While the leasing entity is structured within the United States, Rotortrade plans to deploy RotorLease on a global scale. The company stated that operations will progressively expand across high-demand markets in the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle-East, and Africa, leveraging Rotortrade’s existing international network and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) relationships.
“Establishing a dedicated U.S. leasing entity allows us to structure transactions with financial discipline and strong compliance standards, while supporting our broader international activities. Our objective is to build a focused portfolio centered on high-demand platforms such as the H145 and AW139, and to provide operators with transparent and efficient capital solutions.” At AirPro News, we view the formal launch of RotorLease as a strategic maturation for Rotortrade. We note that by establishing a dedicated U.S. leasing arm, the company is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the North American rotorcraft market, where operators in the EMS and utility sectors increasingly require capital flexibility. Furthermore, the deliberate focus on the Airbus H145 and Leonardo AW139 aligns with broader industry trends that favor versatile, high-performance twin-engine helicopters capable of executing a wide range of mission profiles. The integration of leasing alongside their recent maintenance expansions,including an Airbus-approved MRO center in France opened in 2024 and an FAA Part 145-certified facility in the U.S.,creates a comprehensive lifecycle ecosystem that could offer significant competitive advantages.
RotorLease is a dedicated U.S. helicopter leasing platform launched by global dealership Rotortrade to provide operating and financial leases to rotorcraft operators worldwide.
The platform launched with an initial fleet of seven aircraft, specifically Leonardo AW169, Leonardo AW139, and Airbus H145 helicopters. The company plans to focus primarily on the AW139 and H145 models in the medium term.
The company offers operating leases (dry leases) and lease-to-purchase financial agreements, with terms ranging from one to seven years.
Strategic Fleet Composition
Initial Aircraft and Medium-Term Goals
Flexible Financing and Global Operations
Leasing Options and Compliance
, Philippe Lubrano, Founder & CEO of Rotortrade, in a company statement.
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RotorLease?
Which helicopters are included in the RotorLease portfolio?
What types of leases does RotorLease offer?
Sources
Photo Credit: Rotortrade
-
MRO & Manufacturing2 days agoAirbus Seeks Damages from Pratt & Whitney Over Engine Delays
-
Technology & Innovation7 days ago3M Partners with JetZero to Develop Fuel-Efficient Blended-Wing Airliner
-
Business Aviation6 days agoJet Air Expands Midwest Presence with Revv Aviation Acquisition
-
MRO & Manufacturing4 days agoRyanair Opens €25M Maintenance Hangar at Madrid Barajas Airport
-
Defense & Military3 days agoKongsberg Secures NOK 2 Billion Contract Extension for F-35 Components