Spain-headquartered aeronautical services specialist Eliance Holding has acquired a majority stake in Italian operator Elifriulia through its subsidiary Eliance Italia.

Elifriulia is a helicopter operating company founded in 1971 with headquarters at Trieste airport in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. It mainly offers search and rescue, firefighting and medical air transport services. In addition, it has a Part 145 maintenance organisation and a pilot school.

Elifriulia operates Airbus helicopters similar to those operated by Eliance, facilitating synergies and consolidating the presence of the two companies in the European market, in particular in Italy and Spain.

This acquisition is part of Eliance’s strategic plan and will be instrumental in continuing the group’s growth nationally and internationally. Together, Eliance and Elifriulia have more than 650 professionals and 90 aircraft to deliver contracts with public administrations in Spain, Chile and Italy.