Ameriflight has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Wiggins Airways, the Manchester, New Hampshire-based regional carrier of overnight air cargo.
The acquisition of Wiggins adds 48 aircraft and 100 employees to Ameriflight’s existing network of 170 aircraft and 550 employees. By joining up with Wiggins, Ameriflight becomes the largest regional air cargo carrier in the world with over 650 aviation professionals and 218 aircraft.
Wiggins Airways provides air cargo services to 11 states from its New England base and also offers private passenger charter services. Wiggins also manages a fixed-base operation and is a commercial service provider of fuel, deicing and other related services for commercial airlines and private aircraft at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
Ameriflight will retain Wiggins’ Flight Operations, Aircraft Maintenance, and Administrative support services in Manchester. The Line Operations business including Fixed Base Operations and Airline Services will be sold to Signature Flight Support, the world’s largest FBO and flight support services provider with more than 120 strategic locations worldwide.
“We are proud to welcome Wiggins Airways into the Ameriflight family,” said Jim Martell, Chairman of Ameriflight. “The Wiggins team shares our commitment to safety, reliability, and efficiency,” said Martell. “This acquisition is truly a win-win for both companies as well as our employees, customers, and the communities we serve by adding new bases and routes to our Northeastern US network.”
“Ameriflight is an outstanding partner for Wiggins” said James H. Thomforde, Sr., President and CEO of Wiggins. “Merging with Ameriflight provides growth and security for our employees,” said James H. Thomforde, Sr. “All Wiggins employees will be offered positions with the combined airline or Signature.”