Investment group to purchase Era Aviation from SEACOR Holdings Inc
Superior customer service, routes and prices to remain the same for Alaskans
ANCHORAGE (June 1, 2005) – Era Aviation Investment Group LLC (EAIG) announced
today that it has entered into an agreement with SEACOR Holdings Inc. to
acquire Alaska-based regional airline, Era Aviation, Inc. For the first time
since 1991, all of the airline's officers and management positions will be
filled by long-time Alaskans, living in Alaska with extensive experience
at Era. Paul Landis will serve as President and CEO. Marcia Davis will serve
as Executive Vice President and General Counsel. EAIG is made up of a private
group of investors primarily based on the U.S. West Coast.
Executives from both organizations expect to be able to close the transaction
within the next 45 to 60 days. Under the agreement, EAIG will acquire all
airline operations and will operate under the name Era Aviation, Inc. SEACOR
will retain ownership of the Era Aviation Center which provides fixed based
services to corporate aircraft and will continue to provide services under
contract to the airline.
“We were excited about the opportunity to acquire an airline with such a
great management team and employees. They have been very supportive throughout
the sale process,” said Willie Charles Gault, one of the managers of EAIG. “One
of the key factors in our decision to acquire the airline was the great reputation
that Era Aviation has in the state of Alaska .”
“We are very excited about the transaction,” said Paul Landis. “EAIG shares
our vision of what Era is and can be in the future, and we look forward to
bringing Era into a new phase of growth and success.”
The acquisition will not affect current flights and customers can expect
the same superior service during the transition.
“We look forwarded in working with SEACOR to make this transition as smooth
as possible,” Landis said. “As always, safety, customer service, and employee
satisfaction will remain our top priorities during and after the acquisition.”
About Era
Era Aviation's team of professionals on the ground and in the air ensures
the highest level of passenger satisfaction. Its training exceeds the standards
set by the FAA and is enhanced with special training in areas such as customer
relations. In addition to passenger service, Era provides an important air
cargo link throughout the state. Era airline flights serve Southcentral and
Western Alaska , using a combination of deHavilland Dash-8 and Twin Otter
aircraft.