CTC Aviation

About 

Inflexion backed the buyout of pilot training company CTC Aviation in 2012, providing capital for expansion as well as a succession solution. The sale to NYSE-listed L-3 Communications generated a 3x return on investment. 

CTC Aviation provides fully integrated training for all stages of pilot development; from entry-level cadet training through to the highest level, tailored professional development programmes for pilots as they progress through the ranks.

Value acceleration 

Management was looking for an investor capable of bringing funding as well as expertise to help accelerate their growth, particularly in overseas markets. The buyout also fulfilled the founder’s wishes to transition management of the business to the existing team. 

The Founder was looking to realise some value but retain a share and some involvement, while his son, then COO, wanted to remain fully involved. The business created a plan with Inflexion which allowed the Founder to transition leadership of the business to the core management team, headed by his son. During our partnership, we oversaw multiple new long-term agreements with world-class airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Oman Air, Dragonair and Wizz Air as well as gaining further regulatory approvals to expand into new territories in Asia and the Gulf region. Inflexion supported a substantial increase in training capacity and customer service infrastructure, overseeing the opening of new Crew Training Centres in the UK and US to grow cadet numbers, and supporting investment into new trainee accommodation in New Zealand.