ATSG sells Omni Air to sharpen its air cargo focus

Air Transport Services Group (ATSG), a leading provider of aircraft leasing, air transportation and aviation support solutions, has agreed to sell Omni Air International, its passenger ACMI and charter subsidiary, to OAI Holdings, LLC. The company says the move advances its long-term strategy of investing in and building its core air cargo and related aviation services businesses. Financial terms were not disclosed.

ATSG operates as an integrated aviation enterprise, combining aircraft leasing, cargo and passenger airline operations, aircraft maintenance and support services to offer flexible, end-to-end solutions for customers worldwide. Its fleet includes Boeing 767, Airbus A321 and Airbus A330 freighters, along with Boeing 777 and 767 passenger aircraft that support global ACMI and charter operations. Its subsidiaries include ABX Air, Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services, Air Transport International, Cargo Aircraft Management and Omni Air International.

Once the deal closes, ATSG's portfolio will centre on air cargo transportation, aircraft leasing, and related maintenance and logistics services. OAI is a private company whose management team brings deep aviation expertise.

Greg Mays, President and Chief Executive Officer of ATSG, said the agreement reflects the company's strategic direction. "We have been assessing strategic options for Omni for some time given the significant opportunities in air cargo," he said. He added that the transaction allows ATSG to focus its resources more fully on serving the cargo market and related customers, and that OAI's decades of proven aviation experience make it the right next owner for Omni and its customers.

Founded in 1993, Omni specialises in passenger air transportation, offering customised charter services for commercial and government customers worldwide. It also supplies aircraft and operating support to airlines through ACMI wet leasing, and provides airline startup, route development and aircraft management services. Omni is an FAR Part 121 and IOSA registered airline headquartered at Tulsa International Airport in Oklahoma. It flies passenger charters to more than 80 countries a year, principally for US and allied governments, scheduled airlines and charter customers, using Boeing 777-200ER, 767-300ER and 767-200ER aircraft.

OAI intends to build on Omni's established position in the passenger ACMI and charter markets, supporting what the companies describe as its next chapter and long-term development.

The acquisition is not subject to any financing contingency. Closing is subject only to limited customary conditions, including regulatory approval typical of transactions of this type, and is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026 or early 2027.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is financial advisor to ATSG, with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Hogan Lovells Cadwalader US LLP as legal counsel. BDT & MSD Partners is financial advisor to OAI, and Spencer Fane, LLP is its legal advisor.