AeroTime
• Ian Molyneaux
Pegasus Airlines has completed its acquisition of Czech Airlines and Smartwings Group, then appointed Emre Pekesen as Smartwings’ chief executive and Nur Karabacak as finance chief. The leadership changes put Pegasus executives in charge of the Czech leisure-focused airline group, a longstanding operator in Central and Eastern Europe.
M&A
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Pegasus Airlines has completed its acquisition of Czech Airlines and Smartwings Group, then appointed Emre Pekesen as Smartwings’ chief executive and Nur Karabacak as finance chief. The leadership changes put Pegasus executives in charge of the Czech leisure-focused airline group, a longstanding operator in Central and Eastern Europe.
Blackstone has combined two existing defense companies to form Falcata, a new business focused on increasing production of technologies used to intercept drones and missiles. The launch reflects growing investment in counter-uncrewed systems and missile-defense capabilities amid heightened demand for these technologies.
Ontic is acquiring Wichita-based Aero-Mach Companies and its three established brands, adding specialist aerospace products, manufacturing, support and distribution capabilities to its portfolio. The deal also expands Ontic’s U.S. footprint and brings Aero-Mach’s customer relationships into the company.
The Pentagon is formally coordinating with In-Q-Tel, the CIA-funded investment firm that has backed startups including Anduril and Palantir, to identify and support emerging technologies. The partnership expands the defense establishment’s connection to a venture-investment network focused on technology with national-security applications.
High activity
Alaska Air Group is positioning itself for a broader national and international role, combining Hawaiian Airlines’ widebody fleet with plans to join transatlantic and transpacific joint ventures. The strategy would intensify its Seattle competition with Delta while leaving room for one final major U.S. airline acquisition.
High activity
Portugal-based Omnidea has acquired Orbex’s assets and technology, strengthening its presence in the UK as it develops a new launcher roadmap. The transaction gives Omnidea access to Orbex’s existing capabilities and positions the company for a broader role in Europe’s commercial launch market.
Antin Infrastructure Partners has acquired a majority stake in High Performance Helicopters, expanding its infrastructure portfolio into helicopter services. HP Helicopters supports utility infrastructure operations and aerial firefighting, although the parties did not disclose the transaction value.
The proposed integration of Pelita Air into Garuda Indonesia will not be completed in 2026, Danantara Indonesia chief operating officer Dony Oskaria said on Sept. 29. The delay extends uncertainty around the structure, timing and strategic rationale of the Indonesian state-linked carriers’ planned combination.
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