SERE Holdings, parent company of Northern Ireland-based air ambulance and executive jet charter specialist 247 Aviation (EMC, Belfast City), has acquired Woodgate Aviation, another Northern Irish-based operator providing air ambulance and executive charter services. Woodgate Aviation will be integrated into the newly established SERE Aviation Group, alongside 247 Aviation and Jet Assist.
According to a SERE Holdings statement, the acquisition includes Woodgate Aviation's Northern Ireland fixed-wing patient transfer contract and aims to create a single non-scheduled operator in Northern Ireland, managing one of the United Kingdom's largest special operations fleets.
Woodgate Aviation holds a UK air operator's certificate (AOC), which currently includes two King Air B200 Beech (twin turboprop) aircraft deployed on executive charter and air ambulance services. The carrier also operates two Piper (twin piston) PA-31s used for Ordnance Survey aerial mapping contracts.
The transaction further covers Woodgate Aviation's fixed-base operation (FBO), hangar, and aircraft maintenance facilities at Belfast International. These will be added to SERE Aviation Group's existing FBO network at Belfast International and Belfast City, both managed by subsidiary Jet Assist.
Earlier this year, 247 Aviation acquired two Learjet 45XRs and launched a new base in southern England following a GBP7.98 million pound (USD10.5 million) investment by SERE Holdings. One aircraft has since entered service, while the second has remained parked at London Biggin Hill since August 5. The carrier's AOC also comprises four PC-12s, a Pilatus PC-24, and two DA62s. Two PC-12s and the PC-24 are operated on behalf of Silver Aviation.
ch-aviation reached out to SERE Holdings regarding the future of both carriers' AOCs but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
