TNT Airways and Pan Air Lineas Aéreas now part of ASL Aviation Group

When it was released on February 5, 2016, that the Ireland-based ASL Aviation Group (ASL) had made a confidential offer to acquire two TNT Express airlines, TNT Airways and Pan Air Lineas Aéreas, the deal was subject to the extended acquisition of TNT Express by Fedex. With the FedEx deal being confirmed as unconditional on May 18, this has now cleared the way for the ASL deal to proceed. Additionally, ASL has entered into a longer-term service agreement with FedEx to operate flights for the new FedEx-TNT combination. This acquisition now means ASL have nine airlines
The acquisition means that the 580 employees of the two airlines will now be transferred to ASL, increasing the group’s global staffing level to 2,500. It has been indicated that these staff will have their current contract terms honoured, while the respective facilities in Liège, Belgium and Madrid, Spain will continue to operate as corporate offices, though the TNT Express Liège hub is not part of the deal.
ASL’s fleet of aircraft will extend to 130 passenger and cargo aircraft with the 35 planes from the two acquisitions. As 20 planes will be operated daily for TNT Airways, the actual operational fleet of ASL will reach 150 aircraft. It is understood the intention is for existing contracts with partner contractors, supplier s and airlines will continue.
According to Hugh Flynn, Chief Executive of ASL Aviation Group, “This is a key strategic step in the continued growth of ASL Aviation Group and I am delighted to welcome the people of TNT Airways and Pan Air to ASL. They have made a huge contribution to their airlines and they have now become valued members of our global family of airlines operating on 6 continents.
“ASL has been providing air services to both FedEx and TNT since the early 1990’s and it’s a tremendous privilege now for ASL Aviation Group as an air service provider to play a major role in what these two excellent companies, FedEx and TNT, have built up over many years.
“We operate in a highly competitive market and our continued growth is founded in our mission to be the preferred neutral service provider and to always exceed our customers’ expectations. We will continue to use our strength and stability to offer the most competitive and the best possible service to all of our customers.” Flynn concluded.
Tex Gunning, TNT’s CEO, said “I wish to thank the employees of TNT Airways and Pan Air for their dedication to serving TNT and its customers. We’re looking forward to a successful cooperation.”
In addition to operating airlines in Europe, Africa and Asia, ASL also has a number of aviation support companies and various leasing entities.