Satair, an Airbus Services company, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Unical Aviation, a leading global supplier of Used Serviceable Material (USM), along with its subsidiary ecube. This strategic move significantly expands Satair’s capabilities in aircraft lifecycle management, combining parts supply with storage, disassembly, and transition services.
The acquisition is a major step in Satair’s strategy to become a comprehensive, integrated provider in the aerospace aftermarket. Unical and ecube bring seven operational sites across North America, Spain, and the UK, which reported combined revenues of $298 million in 2024. This addition will broaden Satair’s global footprint and enhance its material availability for airlines worldwide.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Unical and ecube to Satair,” said Richard Stoddart, CEO of Satair and Head of Airbus Material Services. “At its core, this acquisition is about enhancing aircraft lifecycle management capabilities. Prolonging the lifespan of material resources is essential – it maximizes asset value and establishes responsible practices that benefit our customers and the industry’s sustainable future.”
The deal strategically complements Satair’s existing services. In 2022, Satair acquired VAS Aero Services, a provider of engine and multi-fleet USM support. The integration of Unical’s airframe parts expertise and ecube’s disassembly services with VAS’s capabilities will create a powerful, one-stop solution for aircraft end-of-life support and parts circulation.
Sharon Green, CEO of Unical, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “This marks a pivotal moment for Unical. As a global leader in USM and aircraft transition services, we are a natural match for Satair’s ambitions in growth, material availability, and sustainability. We’re proud of what we’ve built and even more excited for what’s ahead.”
The transaction, pending customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close in early 2026. It underscores a growing industry trend towards circular economy models, where extending the service life of aircraft components becomes crucial for both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. By uniting these entities, Satair aims to offer airlines unparalleled access to reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable aftermarket solutions.
