Eagan, MN, October 31, 2016 – Global Aviation Services, LLC (Global) announced its acquisition of D&D GSE Support Inc (D&D) a leading ground support equipment (GSE) maintenance provider serving the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The acquisition further enhances Global’s market position in South Florida and marks the company’s first entry into the acquisition marketplace.
“I’ve spent nearly 50 years in the GSE maintenance business. We started D&D over 14 years ago to provide really good maintenance at a fair price. We worked hard every day to take care of our customers and to take care of our employees. When we started thinking about selling the business we knew we had to find a company that shared those same values,” stated Leo Dyke, principal owner of D&D.
Brad Osborn, CEO/President & Founder of Global, echoed Leo’s comments.
“We started Global in 2007 based on the same core values, do quality work with integrity, earn your customer’s trust and care for your team,” he said. “The vision and values of both companies align very well. We have a lot of respect for the work Leo has done. This should be a positive transition for D&D’s customers and we’ll work hard to continue to care for D&D’s employees.”
Effective immediately, D&D will become Global Aviation Services. Global’s transition team is already in place ramping up for the airport’s peak season. The operation will have 14-18 technicians and will serve as a primary hub for GSE Maintenance in South Florida and the Bahamas.
Global was established in September, 2007, and has grown to have 285 employees who provide GSE maintenance service at over 75 airports in the United States. “Our growth has been organic, one new served location, one new customer at a time,” said Osborn. “Securing space to operate and finding qualified technicians to do the work has made organic growth challenging. The acquisition strategy enables us to more readily gain entry into a market. We expect to pursue several other acquisition opportunities in the coming years.”
Global Aviation Services, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air T, Inc. Established in 1980, Air T, Inc. is a decentralized holding company with ownership interests in a broad set of operating and financial assets. Air T, Inc. trades on NASDAQ: AIRT.
For more information contact Rob Root, VP of Business Development, 763-259-0206, [email protected] or visit www.globalaviationservices.com.
