The Sterling Group and Capitol Meridian Partners Acquire PrimeFlight Aviation Services from Carlyle

PrimeFlight Aviation Services Acquires StratAir Cargo Handling Operations

August 4, 2025

Logistics & Distribution

PrimeFlight Aviation Services, a portfolio company of The Sterling Group and Capitol Meridian Partners, has acquired StratAir’s cargo handling operations at Miami International Airport (MIA), Richmond International Airport (RIC), and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). The deal expands PrimeFlight’s cargo handling footprint and capacity—adding StratAir’s facilities (including a 120,000 sq. ft. third‑party handling complex at MIA) and experienced personnel to PrimeFlight’s growing global cargo network.

PrimeFlight Aviation Services Acquires GAT Airline Ground Support from Atlantic Street Capital

February 9, 2026

Transportation

PrimeFlight Aviation Services has acquired GAT Airline Ground Support from private equity firm Atlantic Street Capital. GAT, a Peachtree City, Georgia-based provider of ground handling, cargo handling and catering (Sky Café) services with ~6,000 employees across nearly 70 North American airports, will expand PrimeFlight's footprint and capabilities in airline ground services and catering.

Prime Appearance Acquires Immaculate Flight

November 25, 2025

Aerospace & Defense

Prime Appearance acquired Immaculate Flight in a stock deal, combining two leading providers of aircraft appearance and detailing services to expand nationwide coverage. The acquisition adds Immaculate Flight’s operations at more than 200 airports and will be integrated and rebranded under the Prime Appearance brand, expanding service coverage in markets including Atlanta, Austin, Seattle, Nashville, South Florida, Southern California, the Bay Area, and throughout Texas.

The Sterling Group Acquires West Star Aviation from Norwest Equity Partners

March 2, 2022

Aerospace & Defense

The Sterling Group, a middle-market private equity firm, has completed the acquisition of West Star Aviation from Norwest Equity Partners. West Star is a leading independent provider of MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) services to the business aviation industry with primary locations in East Alton, Illinois; Grand Junction, Colorado; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Perryville, Missouri.

H.I.G. Capital Acquires STS Aviation Group from Greenbriar Equity Group

October 8, 2024

Aerospace & Defense

An affiliate of H.I.G. Capital has completed a strategic equity acquisition of STS Aviation Group from Greenbriar Equity Group. STS’s executive team will remain in place and as significant shareholders while H.I.G. positions the business for global expansion, capability growth, and potential add-on acquisitions in the aviation MRO and parts-distribution market.

Carlyle Aviation Partners Acquires Fly Leasing Limited

August 2, 2021

Transportation

An affiliate of Carlyle Aviation Partners completed the acquisition of Fly Leasing Limited for $17.05 per share, taking the company private. The transaction values Fly Leasing at approximately $520 million (with an enterprise value of roughly $2.36 billion) and adds 84 aircraft (on lease to 37 airlines) to Carlyle Aviation's managed portfolio.