AE Industrial Partners (AEI)—a long-time investor in the business aviation space—has acquired a majority share in Kansas-based Yingling Aviation. Located at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, Yingling operates a 24/7 FBO and also provides Part 145 MRO services to private aviation and government customers.
Yingling chair and CEO Lynn Nichols and president Andrew Nichols will remain active leaders and investors in the company, which was founded in 1945 and occupies more than 300,000 sq ft of facility space with a staff of 180 employees. The company’s broad range of FAA and EASA-certified maintenance services includes airframe, engine, avionics upgrades, paint, interiors, propeller sales and service, and parts sales.
“We have known Yingling Aviation and its owners for several years and are excited to be partnering with them to continue to build this platform serving the needs of business aircraft owners and operators,” said Jon Nemo, a senior partner in the private-equity firm. “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.”
AEI's past industry experience includes ownership of former FBO chain Landmark Aviation and maintenance provider StandardAero.