Oriens Aviation moves into Pilatus PC-12 MRO support with Avalon Aero acquisition

Oriens Aviation, the British Isles Pilatus Centre, has reinforced its commitment to the single engine turboprop (SET) Pilatus PC-12 and the growing SET commercial operations’ market in Europe by acquiring Avalon Aero’s business aviation MRO facility at London Biggin Hill Airport. The business will be formally renamed and inaugurated as Oriens Aviation Limited effective immediately, with a view to becoming the principal authorised PC-12 Service Centre in the UK by January 29, 2018. (Oriens’ activity extends to an agreement with Goodwood Engineering, who will act as a satellite service centre). Oriens will also have the expertise, as a result of the acquisition, to support other aircraft types for all line and base maintenance activity. These include:
• Cessna 421/550/551/560
• Hawker Beechcraft BAE 125 Series 1000
• Piaggio P180 Avanti
The deal between the owner of Avalon and the Oriens Aviation Board was ratified on December 1, 2017, including the transfer of the existing Avalon Aero lease on its 18,000 ft² hangar. Ahead of the deal Oriens appointed an additional member of its senior management team in October 2017 to work alongside the existing seven-strong team which Oriens is absorbing.
Newly appointed Director of Engineering Dave Plumpton brings significant aviation and strong customer support experience from the challenging airline and VIP aircraft environment for almost 40 years. Steve Westran from Avalon Aero will work alongside him and continue to be responsible for the daily operations of the hangar and maintenance services.