AVIC acquires German aircraft engines producer

AVIC International Holding Corporation (AVIC International) pulled off its acquisition through its subsidiary, Technify Motors GmbH, of the diesel aircraft engine and manufacturing assets of the former Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (Thielert), Ma Fu'an, chairman of the AVIC Board of Directors, announced Tuesday in St. Egidien, Saxony, Germany.

In a strong bid to enhance its already strong capabilities in general aviation piston aircraft engine technology, AVIC fully taps this acquisition to add the Centurion line of the electronically controlled Jet-A (diesel/kerosene) piston engines to its portfolio of general aviation piston engine technology.

Acquired products also include the certified Centurion 2.0 series of 135 Hp and 155 Hp Jet-A engines and the certified Centurion 4.0, 350 Hp engine, the AVIC announced.

The Centurions has seen nearly 3,500 units fielded during its almost ten year service history. The addition of the technologically advanced Jet-A fueled piston engines provides a global fuel capability that AVIC International believes will accelerate emerging market adoption of piston powered aircraft.

"AVIC International's acquisition of Thielert's assets rounds out the highly successful and popular Continental Motors' line of gasoline engines acquired by AVIC International in 2011" said Yu Yimin, Senior Vice President of AVIC International, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Motors, Inc.

"It is also the right long-term solution for the market, as this creates a "one stop shop" for both AVGAS and Jet-A engine solutions backed by the global support capabilities of Continental Motors," Yu added.

Although the acquisition is structured as an asset purchase, AVIC International will continue its business model of thinking globally and operating locally by remaining in the Saxony region of Germany, according to him.

The assets acquired include not just the technology, but excellent facilities and manufacturing equipment, which when coupled with the knowledge and experience of the 200 former employees of Thielert provides an excellent base to start operations.

In addition, AVIC International intends to leverage its other international GA engine operations at Continental Motors, Inc., Mattituck Services, Inc. and Zulu Flight Training to deliver world class technology and service covering both gasoline and Jet-A fueled piston engine technology.

"This acquisition adds excellent engine technology to the Continental Motors' brand that significantly accelerates product offerings that can compete in the global market," said Rhett Ross, Continental Motors, Inc. President.

"We look forward to working with our new sister company to become an integrated leader in global aircraft piston engine products," he added.

AVIC International will operate two manufacturing locations dedicated to piston aircraft engines, including its original Mobile, Alabama site and the new St. Egidien, Germany site.

AVIC International Holding Corporation was set up in 1979 and is itself owned by the Chinese government through Aviation Industries of China (AVIC). Headquartered in Beijing, AVIC International delivered over 120 billion RMB (about 19 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue in 2012.

Technify Motors GmbH, a newly formed subsidiary of AVIC International, holds the acquired assets of Thielert and operates the business from its headquarters in St. Egidien, Germany.

Continental Motors Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AVIC International is a leading manufacturer and service provider of certified piston aircraft engines and components used in propeller- driven general aviation aircraft engines for more than 80 years. AVIC International acquired Continental Motors in 2011.