Story ID: 
Commercial Aviation Firm Acquires Appearance Group
By: Jerry Siebenmark
Caption: Wichita-based Appearance Group specializes in cleaning and detailing exteriors and interiors of business jets.
Word Count: 219
Wichita-based aircraft cleaning and maintenance company Appearance Group has been acquired by Texas-based The PrimeFlight Aviation Services group of companies, which specialize in airport and airline services. The transaction between privately held Appearance Group and PrimeFlight, a portfolio company of venture capital firm Carlyle Group, was completed on December 17.

“After 20 years of private ownership, we are pleased to join PrimeFlight Aviation Services and become part of their expanding aircraft appearance service network,” Appearance Group president and co-owner Matt Henry said. “This is a significant step forward for our employees and customers, and I look forward to what the future holds for Appearance Group.”

Appearance Group was purchased by Henry and his father, Don Henry, in 1999 and employs about 250 people in 16 states. Established in 1991, it is an FAA Part 145 repair station and specializes in cleaning and detailing exteriors and interiors of business jets, as well as paint restoration, paint sealant, leather refinishing, and minor repair to leather cabin seats and other leather soft goods.

Headquartered in Sugar Land, PrimeFlight provides major airlines and airports with ground handling services, aircraft services, into-plane fueling, deicing, and terminal services. It also offers a range of cleaning services for general aviation, including wet and dry washing, waxing, Teflon paint protection, leather protection, and interior restoration services.