Inflexion flying high: Inflexion completes the MBO of CTC Aviation

Inflexion Private Equity today announces that it has completed the management buyout of CTC Aviation Group Limited (“CTC”), a leading global provider of tailor-made aviation training services.

Established in 1995 by a founding team of professional pilots, CTC provides fully integrated training for all stages of the pilot life cycle from entry level, training cadets to achieve their commercial pilot’s licence, through to tailored programs to support the professional development of pilots as they progress through the ranks. The company operates globally from bases in the UK and New Zealand.

CTC has a long list of blue chip, international customers including world renowned carriers such as British Airways and Qatar Airways, as well as the fast growing low cost carriers including easyJet, Fly Dubai and Jetstar. It also provides training for individual pilots and solutions for private jet operators.

Pilot training demand is set to grow significantly in coming years, particularly in emerging markets and CTC is well positioned to fulfill this demand. Inflexion is backing the current management team and, with the support of its international teams in the BIC nations, will work with them to accelerate the international growth of the business.

As part of the buyout, Yagnish Chotai, Senior Adviser to Inflexion and ex-Cinven Partner, will join the board as Chairman. Yagnish brings a wealth of experience to CTC; he is particularly skilled at helping strong teams maximise their potential and steering companies through international development. Chris Clarke, the company’s founder, moves to the position of President and Robert Clarke becomes Group CEO.

John Hartz, Managing Partner of Inflexion Private Equity, commented: “CTC has grown strongly to become one of the world’s leading aviation training organisations. The company operates in a dynamic, growing market, with particular opportunities in Asia, where in China alone there are plans to open between 40 and 60 new airports in the next ten years. With the help of our portfolio support offices in the region, we look forward to working with CTC’s first class management team to accelerate its international operations.”

Rob Clarke, Group CEO of CTC, commented: “The industry has recently seen some consolidation and we are now even better placed to service the needs of our airline clients who demand not only the highest quality of training but also a bespoke and personalised service. We are delighted to be partnering with the team at Inflexion, who share our vision and enthusiasm in providing world leading services and who, with their global network and significant experience, can help us grow faster and further within this exciting industry.”

Mark Williams, Catherine Richards, Malcolm Coffin and Philip Edmans led the transaction at Inflexion. John Hartz and Mark Williams will join the board as Non Executive Directors. Inflexion was advised by aviation specialists, Oculus Advisers, Addleshaw Goddard were legal advisers and debt finance has been provided by HSBC.