DPE portfolio company Unicair sets the course for further growth: Sale of AirAlliance GmbH to Pilatus and foundation laid for fleet renewal

Wiesbaden, April 1, 2026 – Unicair GmbH, one of the leading providers of worldwide air ambulance services, has laid the foundation for its next phase of development: As part of a strategic realignment, an agreement has been signed for the sale of AirAlliance GmbH to the Swiss aircraft manufacturer Pilatus. Until now, AirAlliance GmbH and Unicair GmbH have both been part of the Air Alliance Group, whose majority owner is Deutsche Private Equity (DPE). With the sale of AirAlliance GmbH, Unicair will continue as an independent company within the DPE portfolio.

The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, in particular by the German Federal Aviation Office (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt). Closing is expected in the coming months.

By divesting the aircraft trading and maintenance business, the group is creating the conditions for a comprehensive modernization of the Unicair fleet and the focused development of Unicair’s core business as a specialized provider of aeromedical transport services.

“Today’s step marks a decisive milestone in Unicair’s continued development. It enables us to invest strategically in our fleet and significantly expand our worldwide air ambulance offering. In doing so, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth and strengthening our position as a reliable partner for complex international patient transports,” said Kim Flenskov, CEO of Unicair.

“This agreement is a logical step in advancing both companies in line with their respective strengths. While AirAlliance gains a strong strategic partner in Pilatus, the planned modernization of the Unicair fleet creates the foundation for the company’s next phase of growth in an attractive and resilient market environment,” added Dr. Marc Bielitza, Partner at Deutsche Private Equity.

As part of the fleet renewal, Unicair plans to gradually replace its Learjet 35 and Learjet 45 aircraft, which are currently used for short- and medium-haul missions, with Pilatus PC-24 aircraft over the coming years. The Challenger 604 aircraft used for long-haul missions will remain part of the fleet. This modernization will increase technical availability, improve operational efficiency, and further enhance the quality of patient care.

Another key component of the future setup is the continued close operational cooperation with AirAlliance GmbH: As part of the transaction, a multi-year maintenance agreement has been concluded for the servicing of the Unicair fleet. This will ensure technical reliability throughout the transition phase.
Going forward, Unicair GmbH will operate independently in the market under its established name and will focus entirely on its core business—the execution of complex international air ambulance missions. As a specialized provider, the company offers state-of-the-art medical equipment, highly qualified teams, and extensive experience in carrying out demanding patient transports worldwide.

The agreed transaction will clearly separate the organizational structures and allow both companies to be developed in a targeted manner in line with their respective business models.

About Unicair

Headquartered in Wiesbaden, Unicair is a leading provider of worldwide aeromedical transport services. The company operates one of the largest fleets of specially equipped air ambulance aircraft in Europe and repatriates more than 1,000 injured or ill patients from abroad each year. The high quality of Unicair’s services is подтверждено by certification from the European Aeromedical Institute (EURAMI). Its customers include international insurance companies, assistance providers, NGOs, and public-sector clients.
More information is available at www.unicair.eu

About DPE

Since 2007, DPE has been a growth partner to mid‑sized companies in the German‑speaking region (DACH). DPE supports its portfolio companies with capital, expertise, and genuine appreciation for entrepreneurial leadership, helping them realize their full long-term potential. The investment focus is centered on five core sectors: Business Services, Energy & Environment, Healthcare, Industrial Technology, and Software & IT Services.

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Ralf Geissler
Jahrreiss Communications
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