The deal allows Signature to expand into 11 new markets. [Courtesy: Signature Flight Support]
Signature Flight Support has finalized its addition of 14 TAC Air locations to its growing FBO network after acquiring the TAC Air division of The Arnold Companies in March. At the time, the company said it had acquired 16 TAC locations, however, three of these locations were ultimately not included in the deal, and were sold to another party instead.
Signature said the addition of the 14 locations would bolster its worldwide network of FBOs to 227 and reinforce its position as the world’s largest private aviation services provider. The locations will take on the Signature brand and allow it to expand its footprint into 11 new markets, including:
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Buffalo, New York
- Knoxville, Tennessee
Additionally, the rollup will allow Signature to expand its presence in some markets with big demand for business and general aviation. The TAC location at Denver Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Colorado will become Signature’s second FBO at that airport. Similarly, Dallas Love Field (KDAL) in Texas will now host its fourth Signature property at that airport. In Arizona, Signature is also taking over the TAC private hangars at the Scottsdale Airport (KSDL).
Signature said the businesses would immediately undergo a transition period to integrate the brands, after which customers will be able to tap into Signature’s marquee products and services. They expect the integration to be complete by the end of this year.
Existing TAC Air customers will have the option to become Signature customers through its Resident Premier program, with discounts and complimentary services as part of the deal. Signature also said it would honor any pre-existing fuel price or discount agreements customers had with TAC Air through the transition period, including any existing real estate lease agreements.
Chairman and CEO of TAC Air and TAC Private Hangars, Greg Arnold, said in a statement that he was proud of what his company had achieved in nearly 40 years since beginning operations in 1986. He added that the commitment to “providing the best aviation ground services” would continue with the acquisition as TAC Air associates join the Signature brand.
Most importantly, there will be no layoffs. The company said that Signature would welcome TAC Air members already employed throughout the FBOs while providing opportunities for growth throughout the broader company.
“TAC Air is an example of home-grown success, and we’re delighted to share in the storied heritage of TAC Air while embracing its over 600 employees within the Signature team,” said Tony Lefebvre, CEO of Signature Aviation. Lefebvre added that his company plans to continue building the staff at the TAC Air locations and throughout the broad network to keep improving its service.
This is Signature’s second acquisition since it was acquired in May 2021 by a consortium of private equity firms—including Blackstone, Global Infrastructure Partners, and Cascade Investments—for $4.7 billion. The first acquisition took place in December 2021, when Signature acquired Vail Valley Jet Center (VVJC) FBO at the Eagle County Regional Airport (KEGE) in Colorado.
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