Aerowest (AWH, Hannover) has acquired cargo charter specialist Businesswings (JMP, Kassel) from logistics provider Sovereign Speed. The transaction adds a second German air operator's certificate (AOC) to Aerowest Group, which now operates a combined fleet of 17 aircraft.
The deal includes Businesswings' AOC #D-213 together with a fleet of three Cessna (single turboprop) C208s. The carrier previously operated two Dornier turboprops, namely a Do228-100, parked at Copenhagen Roskilde since April 16, and a Do228-212, phased out in mid-2025 and later delivered to Burkina Faso's Air Sarada International.
“Our intention is to keep both AOCs and maintain both brands,” an Aerowest spokesperson told ch-aviation. While Businesswings focuses on cargo charter operations, Aerowest is primarily specialised in passenger charter services and organ transport. “There are several operational differences, and for this reason we will run both airlines separately, while exploiting synergies in sales, maintenance, and training.”
Aerowest Group's workforce will expand to 120 employees across Hannover, the group headquarters, and Businesswings' offices in Kassel, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart. Lars Best, Aerowest Group's managing director, will assume the roles of managing director and accountable manager at Businesswings. Jörg Sickinger, formerly head of sales at Businesswings, will become an operationally focused managing director.
Businesswings was acquired by Sovereign Speed in 2019. Despite the change in ownership, both companies will continue to cooperate under an ongoing strategic partnership covering areas such as ground logistics and customs.
Beyond Businesswings' three aircraft, Aerowest operates a further 14 aircraft, comprising three Citation Encore+ jets, two Citation XLS+ aircraft, a Citation XLS Gen2, three Citation Latitudes, two Citation Sovereign+ jets, and three twin-turboprop Cessna C425s. “In 2025, we introduced a third Citation Latitude to meet growing passenger demand. In December, we purchased our third Citation Encore+ after demand from organisations requiring organ transport increased,” the spokesperson said.
Looking ahead, the group plans to rely on organic growth. “Demand will be closely monitored, allowing fleet adjustments across both companies where required. Our key focus for the year will be harmonisation of both organisations and evaluation of cooperation opportunities, while maintaining both brands,” the spokesperson added.
In addition to flight operations, Aerowest holds European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 145 approval, providing aircraft maintenance services at Hannover.
