Airbus

Airbus has signed a contract to buy Navtech group of companies, a global provider of flight operations solutions.

The deal will help Airbus in providing end-to-end flight operations solutions and is part of its strategy to offer new services for aviation customers.

Airbus president and chief executive officer Fabrice Brégier said: "This acquisition is further affirmation of Airbus’ digitalisation and services growth strategies, and is a significant milestone to serve our existing and future customers."

Navtech provides its services to more than 400 aircraft operators and aviation services customers across the world.

The services and products offered by Navtech include electronic flight bag (EFB) solutions, aeronautical charts, navigation data solutions, flight planning, aircraft performance, and crew planning solutions.

Airbus services senior vice-president Laurent Martinez said: "Connecting Navtech’s experience with the ‘Services by Airbus’ network will enable us to be more innovative, diversifying our range of services and flight operations solutions, while providing our customers with greater flexibility."

Navtech earns revenues of approximately $42m employs more than 250 employees, mainly in Waterloo, Canada, and in Hersham and Cardiff, Wales, UK.

"Our customers will benefit from game-changing innovations and enhanced customer experience of our digital flight operations services."

Navtech chief executive officer Mike Hulley said: "The signing of this agreement with Airbus is excellent news for the Navtech teams, who are joining a group with international standing, providing them with access to new markets leveraging on complementary aviation expertise.

"Our customers will benefit from game-changing innovations and enhanced customer experience of our digital flight operations services."

In May, Navtech partnered with Airbus to integrate electronic flight bag (EFB) applications into Airbus fleet including A350, 400M, and other future Airbus aircraft.

Under the partnership, Navtech will integrate with Airbus’ EFB Fly Smart software platform and applications for delivering today’s electronic charts and including other functions in future such as flight plans, aircraft performance and others.

Image: Airbus manufacturing facility. Photo: courtesy of Airbus