LDC completes significant investment into Airline Services Ltd.

Private equity provider LDC has completed a significant investment to support the management buyout of Airline Services Ltd. With principal bases in Manchester, Gatwick and London Stansted Airports, Airline Services is a long established, leading provider of aircraft interior and ramp presentation services with expertise in aircraft de-icing, ramp turnaround, cabin maintenance and retrofit services. It supports more than 100 airlines and aviation businesses in the UK and internationally, including industry suppliers and aircraft lessors. The newly ratified deal is the third transaction completed by LDC Midlands’ team using capital from LDC’s £200 million manufacturing and specialist engineering commitment. Airlines Services’ Workshop division incorporates the repair and overhaul of cabin interiors, aircraft seats, galley equipment, lighting, in-flight entertainment and other avionic systems from its headquarters at Manchester and London Stansted. Its Ramp Operations division operates from 12 UK airports, providing aircraft de-icing and other ramp services all aimed at minimising aircraft time on the ground. Based at Gatwick and East Midlands Airports, the group’s Rotable Components business provides a rotable parts and wheels and brakes management and repair capability from a substantial stockholding base. Established for more than 25 years, the business has been led by Chief Executive Bryan Bodek since the year 2000. In that time it has achieved significant growth across all three divisions as airlines increasingly out-source operations and demand for cabin MRO services increases. The business is now well-positioned for future growth, with a record order book and annual turnover approaching £60million.