AE Industrial Partners (AEI), a US-based private equity firm specialising in aerospace, defence and government services, space, power and utility services and specialty industrial markets, has acquired a majority interest in Yingling Aviation. Yingling Aviation chairman and CEO Lynn Nichols and president Andrew Nichols will remain active leaders and investors in the company.

Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Yingling Aviation is a full service business aviation MRO and FBO services provider located at the Dwight D Eisenhower National airport. The company's broad range of MRO services include airframe, engine, avionics upgrades, paint, interior, propeller sales and service and parts sales, as well as 24/7 FBO services. Yingling Aviation's FAA/EASA-certified aircraft maintenance department performs comprehensive service, modifications and repairs. Founded in 1945, the company currently operates over 300,000 sq ft of facility space with over 180 employees.

AEI has a long and successful track record of investing and operating in business aviation, which represents one of AEI's six core target markets. Other investments in the business aviation market over the more than 25 year history of AEI and its predecessor AeroEquity include Alpine Air, Global Jet Capital, Landmark Aviation, Solairus Aviation and StandardAero.

"We have known Yingling Aviation and its owners for several years and are excited to be partnering with them to continue to build this leading platform serving the needs of business aircraft owners and operators," says AEI senior partner Jon Nemo. This investment represents the beginning of our strategic vision of creating a unique, independent platform of scale providing best-in-class services within this growing market."

"Yingling Aviation is a very well-recognised brand within the business aviation market and the Wichita community," adds Nichols. "Our partnership with AEI represents another key milestone in our growth story, and we look forward to having a partner with its knowledge and operating experience in our market."