Summit Aviation, a US charter flight operator based in Belgrade, Montana, is being acquired by TransMedics Group, a US medical technology company that says it is transforming organ transplant therapy for patients with end-stage lung, heart and liver failure. The deal is expected to close imminently, at which point Summit founder and president Ben Walton will join TransMedics as VP of aviation services.

“We are thrilled to partner with one of the leading teams in the air charter industry as we establish TransMedics Aviation as the first national provider of air logistics dedicated to organ transplantation in the US,” says Waleed Hassanein, MD, president and chief executive officer. “Summit's stellar reputation for exceptional service, strong team culture and highly rated air safety standards align squarely with TransMedics' track record of providing world-class clinical services and transplant technology to our global users. This acquisition represents a cornerstone element of our strategy designed to fulfil TransMedics' commitment to building our dedicated national transplant aviation capabilities to expand the National OCS Program (NOP) reach.”

“Doing things differently is why Summit Aviation was started and is why partnering with TransMedics is such an exciting new step for us,” says Walton. “We have the team, talent, experience and culture to help revolutionise transplant aviation. The Organ Care System has helped transform organ transplantation, and the Summit family is thrilled to be the aviation solution for this life-saving mission.”