Mountain Air Cargo Acquires Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Provider

Mountain Air Cargo Acquires Royal Aircraft Services to Expand MRO Capabilities

US express carrier Mountain Air Cargo has announced the acquisition of Royal Aircraft Services, a strategic move designed to bolster its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations. Mountain Air Cargo, a subsidiary of Air T based in Denver, North Carolina, intends to leverage Royal Aircraft Services’ specialized expertise to improve operational efficiency across its key markets.

Strengthening Maintenance and Repair Operations

Mike Bandalan, chief executive of Mountain Air Cargo, emphasized the significance of the acquisition, highlighting Royal Aircraft Services’ established reputation for excellence in aircraft maintenance and support. He stated that the integration of Royal’s capabilities aligns with the company’s mission to enhance both operational efficiency and service quality for its partners. Royal Aircraft Services, headquartered in Hagerstown, Maryland, will continue to operate under its existing name, maintaining continuity for its customers.

Pamela and Austin Heffernan, longtime owners of Royal Aircraft Services, expressed optimism about the transition. They described the partnership with Mountain Air Cargo as an exciting new chapter that will strengthen service capabilities and increase value for Royal’s customers and stakeholders. The Heffernans conveyed confidence that Royal Aircraft Services will continue to thrive and build upon its legacy of quality and expertise under the new ownership.

Market Context and Operational Impact

The acquisition occurs amid heightened competition within the MRO sector, a development that may attract regulatory scrutiny. Industry analysts suggest that rival companies could respond by expanding their own MRO services to preserve market share. The transaction has also drawn investor attention, with potential implications for Air T’s stock as the market evaluates the impact of the expanded service portfolio.

Mountain Air Cargo operates as a FedEx feeder airline, providing flight and maintenance services throughout the eastern United States and the Caribbean. The company owns a full-service Part 145 MRO facility at Kinston Regional Jetport in North Carolina, featuring a 64,000-square-foot repair station that supports both its fleet and other commercial and government air carriers.

According to Planespotters, Mountain Air Cargo’s current fleet comprises 33 aircraft, including nine ATR 42s, twelve ATR 72s, and twelve Cessna 408 SkyCouriers. Notably, in January 2023, the company became the first carrier to operate Textron Aviation’s Cessna SkyCourier freighter.

As Mountain Air Cargo integrates Royal Aircraft Services into its operations, it aims to enhance service quality and operational efficiency further, positioning itself for sustained growth in the competitive MRO market.