Arcus Air Group is divesting its logistics division, which consists of an air cargo charter and on board courier business. The two parts of the company will join the international group Chapman Freeborn (CF), a company of the Avia Solutions Group. Avia is the largest aerospace group in central and eastern Europe, with 83 branches and production stations offering air traffic services and solutions worldwide.

The Arcus Air Group is a private European operator with affiliated cargo brokerage operations at various European locations, which has been successfully established in the market for more than 45 years, with its own flight operations based in Zweibrücken. Up to now it has performed urgent air cargo flights, especially ad hoc air cargo charter and on board courier services. The logistics division of the company is strongly oriented towards the automotive industry.

Arcus will continue to operate two Dornier 228-212 cargo aircraft on behalf of their new owner, Chapman Freeborn. Alejandro Tapia Haarmann is stepping down today from his management activities in the logistics division but will continue to lead the airline division.

“We will concentrate in the future on the airline and executive aviation,” reports MD Alejandro Tapia Haarmann. To this end, the company had already added another Embraer Phenom 100 to its fleet last year, making it the largest Phenom 100 fleet operator in Europe.

The company intends to use the additional and further planned capacities to meet the growing demand for private jet charters in the European market. The company has a total of seven Phenom 100s and can therefore offer the most capacity of this aircraft type in Europe.

“The demand for private jets has increased by about 20 per cent for us during the second half of 2019,” Haarmann continues. “The outbreak of the pandemic put an abrupt end to this development. However, it is already apparent after the first opening of the borders that this development will continue. Taking in consideration the new environment, the safety aspect also plays a major role for people right now, and the greatest possible safety is of course given when flying alone or just with family or close friends.”

The Phenom 100 is designed for four passengers and is known for its spacious interior. “Our passengers need just five to 15 minutes from arrival at the terminal to boarding,” Haarmann states.

Arcus Air Logistics is a valuable addition to Chapman Freeborn's service portfolio. It brings significant synergies in the emergency cargo logistics space where Freeborn is a leading player with ambitious plans for future growth. “We are proud to welcome the highly experienced teams of Arcus Air Logistics to our growing family. This is an opportune time to join forces, given the trends in the global cargo logistics space. I believe Arcus Air Logistics will further strengthen our group's business as we continue our strategy of growth through diversification in the niche aircraft charter industry,” says Russi Batliwala, CF CEO.

“While the aviation industry is living through a challenging time, identifying and acting on the right investment opportunities can be a real differentiating factor for businesses who will emerge from this crisis stronger than before. ASG is pleased to be able to support the growth of our family of companies; CF's latest acquisition is a prime example of our successful cooperation,” adds Gediminas Ziemelis, chairman of the board of Avia Solutions Group.

Arcus Air Logistics, with representative offices in Germany, Spain and Slovakia will trade under its current name. Francisco Mühlens will continue to act as MD.