Nine-year-old Farnborough-based management company 51 North has acquired family-run operator Executive Aviation Services (EAS). The move unifies the AOC and expertise of the two companies.

The partnership coincides with EAS's 21st anniversary and precedes an imminent fleet addition. This will add to the existing roster which includes an EC155B, several Citation Bravos and a G550.

“EAS will now be part of the 51 North Group and the immediate objective is to work together to manage more aircraft through our strengthened team,” says 51 North MD Kirsty Murphy (pictured with colleagues on the front cover). “We will also consider more operator acquisitions in the sector. Our management strengths are complementary and there will be no job role duplication.”

The 51 North Group now employs about 20 people and this is expected to increase.

Chairman and founder of EAS Peter Turner will continue to be involved in the combined business and serve as a 51 North board director. He will also continue to be chairman and accountable manager of EAS, responsible for charter activity. His daughter Kirstie Turner will remain as ground operations manager, while son James Turner stays on as flight crew on the Citation Bravos and FBO manager.

“I am delighted to have joined forces with 51 North,” states Peter Turner. “With this group we have certainly found the right team to take the business to a new level from a sound financial platform. I look forward to continuing as the chairman of EAS and especially assisting with aircraft arrivals and acquisitions.”

Neil Cochrane, 51 North chairman, concludes: “The corporate jet industry has become very fragmented and the only way forward is the consolidation of compatible companies.

“We have been seeking the right acquisition for some time and together with the EAS team we are looking forward to some exciting developments ahead.”