AVIC International acquires German engine producer

BERLIN - 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 Tuesday 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.

Acquired products also include the certified Centurion 2.0 series of 135 Hp and 155 Hp Jet-A engines and the certified Centurion 4.0, 350 Hp engine, the AVIC announced.

The Centurions has seen nearly 3,500 units fielded during its almost ten year service history. The addition of the technologically advanced Jet-A fueled piston engines provides a global fuel capability that AVIC International believes will accelerate emerging market adoption of piston powered aircraft.

"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.