Citadel Aviation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Mach 1 Aviation Group, an FAA Part 145 certificated repair station based in Savannah, Georgia. The transaction is expected to close by the end of September 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The acquisition expands Citadel Aviation's operating footprint to the U.S. East Coast and adds dedicated aircraft-on-ground (AOG) response capabilities to its service portfolio.
Mach 1 Adds Gulfstream and AOG Expertise
Founded in 2020 by former Gulfstream master technicians Richard Bennett, Derek Johnston and Ben Venuti, Mach 1 supports aircraft worldwide from its Savannah base. Its team has more than 100 years of combined technical experience across avionics, SATCOM and cabin communication systems, engine and airframe systems, and entry-into-service programs.
Mach 1 is an approved services provider to the majority of Part 135 operators in its market and also serves a substantial base of Part 91 aircraft owners. The company has built long-standing relationships with customers seeking maintenance assistance as well as support during aircraft transactions.
Broader Maintenance and Modification Offering
Following the transaction, Mach 1 will continue operating under its FAA Part 145 certificate and maintain its existing customer commitments. Its Savannah location will become an East Coast service and AOG coordination point for Citadel Aviation.
Mach 1 customers will gain access to Citadel's broader aircraft services, including maintenance, repair and overhaul, cabin interior refurbishment, engineering, connectivity technology upgrades, and support for narrow- and wide-body VIP aircraft. Citadel customers will gain access to Mach 1's rapid-response capabilities for Gulfstream aircraft.
Citadel Aviation CEO Greg Colgan said the company plans to invest in and expand Mach 1's capabilities and capacity, combining its rapid AOG response with Citadel's maintenance, modification, interior refurbishment and upgrade services.
Part of Citadel's Expansion Strategy
The acquisition follows a period of expansion for Citadel Aviation. The company rebranded from Citadel Completions in January 2026 as it developed into a full-service global provider. It secured 13 new VIP aircraft projects in January and established operations at Dallas Love Field in March 2026.
Citadel has completed 48 aircraft projects to date. The Mach 1 transaction would represent the company's third major capability expansion in less than a year, further broadening its geographic reach and service offering for VIP aircraft customers.