Luxaviation is divesting the global business aircraft maintenance activities of its ExecuJet subsidiary to Dassault Aviation, the companies announced today. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. After obtaining the necessary approvals, ExecuJet’s network of 15 MRO centers across Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East will be gradually integrated into the structure of the French aircraft manufacturer in 2019.

The purchase builds on the growing trend of OEMs to become de facto in-service support providers and earn more revenue through aftermarket services.

Dassault Aviation chairman and CEO Eric Trappier said the acquisition of ExecuJet's MRO operations will strengthen the group’s global footprint, especially in Asia-Pacific, Oceania, Middle East, and Africa. “With ExecuJet, we will continue the development of our high-quality customer support network, while growing our Falcon maintenance market share," he noted.

Selling the maintenance activities “allows Luxaviation Group to refocus on our core aviation services and to further invest worldwide into the sector’s development,” Luxaviation Group CEO Patrick Hansen said. Luxaviation Group acquired ExecuJet Group in spring 2015. The sale agreement with Dassault is limited to the maintenance activities of ExecuJet and excludes FBOs and the aircraft management activities of the Zurich Airport-headquartered company.

ExecuJet provides maintenance support capabilities for a diverse collection of business aircraft types in 42 countries globally. Its specialized fuselage, engineering, and avionics services are certified by the FAA and/or EASA.

Graeme Duckworth, executive vice president MRO services Luxaviation Group, will continue to lead the MRO activities under the new shareholder. “ExecuJet will maintain its identity and its leadership. We will benefit from valuable synergies within the Dassault Group,” he said.