US FBO company Atlantic Aviation and Denver-headquartered Ross Aviation are to merge during the first half of 2022. The combined company will operate as Atlantic Aviation.

The merger brings together two aviation infrastructure networks with complementary geographical footprints. Their operating teams will drive further investment in critical aviation infrastructure and strengthen the company’s position in safety, sustainability, hospitality and technology innovation.

“We're thrilled to grow Atlantic Aviation with the addition of Ross Aviation's highly complementary team, culture and network,” says Atlantic CEO Louis T Pepper. “Increased diversification will further position us as a leading operator of aviation infrastructure at a critical moment for our company as we invest in enhancements across our network to better serve our customers.

“Greater scale also enables us to accelerate our efforts on key priorities, including being at the forefront of technology and sustainability, and creates more opportunities for our employees. We look forward to working with the Ross Aviation leadership team including Jeff Ross, chairman and long-time friend, as well as CEO Brian Corbett, to build on the great partnerships they have established at these airfields and the corporate culture they have developed.”

Atlantic Aviation has FBOs across 30 US states and provides a wide range of aircraft ground handling and corporate flight support services. Ross Aviation was founded in 2016 by private equity company KSL Capital Partners and Jeff Ross.It operates 19 FBOs across the US and the Caribbean. The company has grown through acquisitions of FBOs in leisure and corporate travel markets across North America.

Global investment firm KKR will be the majority shareholder in the combined company, and an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners will join KKR as a significant minority investor.

“Today marks a meaningful step forward in the growth of Atlantic Aviation,” says KKR partner Dash Lane. “We are excited to join forces with the Ross Aviation and KSL teams to expand Atlantic's geographic reach, its focus on customer service and to further invest in a broader network of aviation operations and infrastructure.”