Chinese firm acquires German aircraft engines producer

China’s AVIC International Holding Corporation (AVIC International) pulled off its acquisition through its subsidiary, Technify Motors GmbH, of the diesel aircraft engine and manufacturing assets of the former Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (Thielert), Ma Fu’an, chairman of the AVIC Board of Directors, announced in St. Egidien, Saxony, Germany. In a strong bid to enhance its already strong capabilities in general aviation piston aircraft engine technology, AVIC fully taps this acquisition to add the Centurion line of the electronically controlled Jet-A (diesel/kerosene) piston engines to its portfolio of general aviation piston engine technology, according to China’s (Xinhua) News Agency. “AVIC International’s acquisition of Thielert’s assets rounds out the highly successful and popular Continental Motors’ line of gasoline engines acquired by AVIC International in 2011? said Yu Yimin, Senior Vice President of AVIC International, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Motors, Inc. “It is also the right long-term solution for the market, as this creates a “one stop shop” for both AVGAS and Jet-A engine solutions backed by the global support capabilities of Continental Motors,” Yu added. Although the acquisition is structured as an asset purchase, AVIC International will continue its business model of thinking globally and operating locally by remaining in the Saxony region of Germany, according to him. The assets acquired include not just the technology, but excellent facilities and manufacturing equipment, which when coupled with the knowledge and experience of the 200 former employees of Thielert provides an excellent base to start operations.