Story ID: 
Aviaa Expands European Footprint with Convolus Merger
By: Jerry Siebenmark
Caption: The combination gives Aviaa access to a European FBO network comprising Dassault Falcon Service, ExecuJet and Jet Aviation.
Word Count: 226
Business aviation group purchasing firm Aviaa has reached an agreement to acquire London-based Convolus in a deal that once concluded will support a member fleet of almost 500 aircraft and a supplier network with global operations, including an international FBO network. “It marks a significant strategic step for Aviaa, which will enable us to deliver larger-scale global purchasing for our collective members and suppliers,” Gillian Hayes, CEO of California-based Aviaa, said today.

With the expanded European footprint, Aviaa will establish an office in Munich, Germany. The merger also will see Convolus co-founder and CEO Irena Deville become Aviaa’s managing director of Europe and the Middle East. 

“The opportunity to scale up and expand with Aviaa means we can optimize our technology solutions [and] combine our procurement data sets globally to better inform pricing, predict spend, and streamline our transactions,” Deville said. Before launching Convolus, Deville oversaw implementation of Gama Aviation’s strategic development and acquisition strategy.

Aviaa said Convolus members will see increased buying power with the merger and additional cost savings in its supply chain that includes categories such as insurance, maintenance, fuel, business operations, and crew training. Aviaa members, who are largely U.S.-based, will see the benefits of a European FBO network that includes the likes of Dassault Falcon Service, ExecuJet, and Jet Aviation.