Vienna-headquartered LaudaMotion Executive has been acquired by Swiss aviation company Sparfell Aviation Group. LaudaMotion holds an Austrian AOC and operates a fleet of 13 business jets primarily comprised of Bombardier Business Aircraft, including the first Global 7500 delivered and in operation in Europe. Founder Niki Lauda initially sought to partner with Sparfell Aviation Group for capital, but given his untimely passing, the decision was made that Sparfell Aviation Group would instead take over operations of the company. As part of Sparfell Aviation Group, LaudaMotion Executive's 60 employees and all operations will be managed by Edward Queffelec, chief executive officer for Sparfell Airways, the group's operations branch.

“Through the acquisition of LaudaMotion Executive, Sparfell Aviation Group is now able to offer our clients private jet charter, consolidating our offering to provide the turn-key solution they expect,” says Queffelec. “We could not dream of a better partner to achieve this with than LaudaMotion Executive, an IS-BAO-certified operator with more than 15 years of experience in aircraft operation. Niki Lauda's expertise, reputation and precision were legendary, both in Formula One and in aviation. Having founded three airlines, we are honoured to uphold his legacy and consider it our duty to pay respect to the company that carries his name.”

“It was important for Niki Lauda that LaudaMotion Executive be acquired by a company that represents the same values that he stood for: a true passion for aviation and dedication to clients,” adds NL Holding CEO Gottfried Neumeister. “This is why he ultimately chose Sparfell Aviation Group and the Queffelec family.”

Sparfell Aviation Group provides a one-stop solution for every aviation need. The company operates across five sectors: Sparfell Airways (private jet operations), Sparfell & Partners (aircraft sales and acquisitions), Sparfell Leasing (head of state and corporate lease), Sparfell Design (aircraft interior design and accessorising) and Sparfell Defence (aerospace and defence consulting).