US express carrier Mountain Air Cargo has acquired Royal Aircraft Services to strengthen its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
AirT subsidiary Mountain Air Cargo, based in Denver, North Carolina, said that the purchase of Royal Aircraft Services, located in Hagerstown, Maryland, will enable it to leverage Royal’s specialised MRO knowledge while enhancing operational efficiency across key markets.
“Royal Aircraft Services has a long-standing reputation for excellence in aircraft maintenance and support," said Mike Bandalan, chief executive of Mountain Air Cargo.
“This acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance operational efficiency and service quality for our valued partners. We look forward to integrating their expertise with our established MRO network.”
Royal Aircraft Services will continue to operate under its existing name.
“Partnering with Mountain Air Cargo marks an exciting new chapter for Royal Aircraft Services,” said Pamela and Austin Heffernan, longtime owners of Royal Aircraft Services.
“With our shared commitment to aviation excellence, this transition will strengthen service capabilities and enhance value for Royal’s customers and stakeholders. We are confident that under new ownership, Royal will continue to thrive and build on its legacy of quality and expertise.”
Mountain Air Cargo is a FedEx feeder airline and provides flight and maintenance services in the eastern half of the US and the Caribbean Islands.
The company also owns a full-service Part 145 MRO facility with a 64,000 sq ft repair station at Kinston Regional Jetport in North Carolina. Here, it performs maintenance work for itself and other commercial and government air carriers.
According to Planespotters, Mountain Air Cargo has a fleet of 33 aircraft in service currently. This includes 9 ATR 42s, 12 ATR 72s and 12 Cessna 408 SkyCouriers.
In January 2023, Mountain Air Cargo became the first carrier to operate Textron Aviation's Cessna SkyCourier freighter.
