Acquisition sees Air Partner expand into aviation safety consulting

Air Partner, the UK-based global aviation services group with a cargo charter division, has acquired aviation safety consultancy Baines Simmons for a total net cash consideration of up to £6m.
It is the second acquisition this year by Air Partner following the takeover of Cabot Aviation in May.
Baines Simmons, specialising in aviation regulation, compliance and safety management consultancy, provides services to around 750 aviation organisations and 40 aviation authorities.
Its clients across civil and military markets include KLM, SAS, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, Royal Air Force, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Baines Simmons will continue to be the brand and organisation under which operations specifically within the aviation regulation, compliance and safety management performance sectors will be undertaken.
Mark Briffa, Air Partner chief executive, said: "Baines Simmons has built an outstanding reputation working with many of the world’s leading aviation organisations in the areas of aviation regulation, compliance and safety management performance and in the design and operation of aircraft registries.
“Safety is the number one priority for all in the aviation industry and Baines Simmons is recognised as being at the forefront of the aviation regulatory authorities’ change in approach to drive the industry beyond prescriptive compliance to proactive performance-based regulation.”