First Aviation Services Inc. announced that is has acquired Associated Aircraft Manufacturing & Sales, Inc. (“AAMSI”) of Fort Lauderdale, FL. 

AAMSI, founded in 1953, manufactures a variety of aircraft parts and provides repair and overhaul services for aircraft electronics, avionics, hydraulic and landing gear components.  AAMSI has a proven track record supporting the global defense industry, including both United States and foreign militaries, as well as several of the industry’s largest Original Equipment Manufacturers.  AAMSI holds over one hundred twenty (120) manufacturing and repair source approvals from the U.S. Department of Defense (“DOD”) and the company’s headquarters facility boasts 52,000 sq. ft. of modern manufacturing and repair space.

“The addition of AAMSI to the First Aviation family of companies greatly expands the breadth and capability of our aircraft electronics and landing gear manufacturing and repair operations,” according to Josh Krotec, Senior Vice President of First Aviation.   “First Aviation has had hundreds of parts manufacturing approvals and proprietary repairs to support the civilian aviation market; now, with this acquisition, First Aviation balances its portfolio through AAMSI’s extensive list of DOD source approvals and its past performance in the global military marketplace.” AAMSI’s in-house machining and electronics manufacturing operations also provide First Aviation with opportunities to vertically integrate its supply chain.  

AAMSI also complements First Aviation’s Rotary Wing Group (“RWG”) as both companies are leaders in Sikorsky S-70 / UH-60 “Blackhawk” depot-level component repair.  AAMSI is U.S. Army’s incumbent contractor for UH-60 main landing gear strut repairs and overhauls, while RWG was recently awarded a five-year contract to overhaul UH-60 main rotor hubs.  RWG also holds Army source approval for both UH-60 main and tail rotor blade repairs.

Dennis Zalupski, who has led AAMSI since 2016 and will remain in place as AAMSI’s Vice President and General Manager, praised the strategic fit saying, “AAMSI has a bright future as part of the First Aviation family.   The AAMSI team looks forward to growing our business through access to First Aviation’s extensive component repair and overhaul services, and through First Aviation’s commitment to re-investment in engineering and new product development.”