Chad is the editor of AINalerts, AIN's daily business aviation newsletter, and is also the news editor at AIN Media Group.&nbsp;He has been writing about aviation, with an emphasis on business aviation, since 1994. Chad started his writing career at The Avion,&nbsp;the&nbsp;student newspaper at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, serving as editor-in-chief before graduating with a bachelor's in aeronautical science. After a stint as managing editor at Professional Pilot&nbsp;magazine, he joined&nbsp;AIN in late 1998. Chad holds a commercial pilot certificated with instrument and multi-engine ratings, and he also is a CFI/CFII. He lives and works from his home in Venice, Florida.

Online Editor

Chad Trautvetter

Under an agreement inked with Aero Centers holding company SAR Trilogy Management, Pilatus Aircraft will acquire Aero Center Epps' Pilatus sales and maintenance operations at Atlanta DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (KPDK). The deal, expected to close in 2024, is limited to Aero Center Epps' Pilatus maintenance business and sales and maintenance personnel, the companies said today. Aero Centers Epps will continue to operate its FBO and other maintenance activities, SAR Trilogy noted.
“This transaction allows Aero Centers to better focus on its FBO, non-Pilatus maintenance, and aircraft management and charter business at KPDK,” said SAR Trilogy Management managing director Sanjay Aggarwal.
Pilatus Aircraft CEO Markus Bucher said the acquisition will “safeguard and further improve the continuity and quality” of the company’s services in the Southeast U.S. “I’m delighted that we will have the expertise and the employees on board with us.”
According to Pilatus, it will continue to provide MRO services on an independent basis to customers and pledges to provide product support over the entire life cycle of its aircraft. This will include maintenance and repair services, as well as avionics and spare parts sales, for the PC-12 turboprop single and PC-24 twinjet.
Aero Center Epps Atlanta has been a Pilatus sales and service center since 1996, with its sales territory covering Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Caribbean.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Aero Centers Epps is Selling Pilatus Mx and Sales Operations to Pilatus Aircraft

The deal does not include Epps' FBO or non-Pilatus maintenance services

Under a deal announced on December 21, Pilatus Aircraft will acquire Aero Center Epps' Pilatus sales and maintenance operations at Atlanta DeKalb-Peachtree Airport.

Aero Centers Epps Selling Pilatus Mx and Sales Ops

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Working with NASA, company successfully tested autonomous inspection system on Boeing aircraft

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It adds capability for the PC-24 and expands locations for the PC-12

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Kuala Lumpur facility provides line and base maintenance for Challengers and Globals

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The facility represents a major increase in the airframer's maintenance network

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News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

Pilatus PC-12 Series

Pilatus PC-24

Pilatus Aircraft

Epps Aviation

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