Supports strategy to improve global Air Traffic Management

Airbus has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire U.S.-based Metron Aviation, a leading provider of advanced Air Traffic Management (ATM) products and services for the global aviation industry. This acquisition strengthens Airbus’ strategy to accelerate and support ATM programs that will dramatically improve global air transportation capacity, efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, and the acquisition is expected to be completed later this year.  Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Earlier this year, Airbus launched subsidiary Airbus ProSky, dedicated to supporting the FAA’s Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), Europe’s Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) and other global ATM modernisation programs. 

Metron Aviation provides advanced research, Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM), airspace design, energy and environmental solutions to Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), airlines and airports.  Metron Aviation is a prime contractor on System Engineering 2020 (SE-2020), the FAA’s strategic program for implementing NextGen and is performing advanced research and development work on SESAR.  Metron Aviation also provides commercial ATFM solutions that optimize airspace and airport capacity for customers around the world including Airservices Australia, ATNS (South Africa), Delta Air Lines and FedEx.

“The acquisition of Metron Aviation supports the Airbus strategy to help countries improve their ATM,” said Eric Stefanello, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus ProSky. “Together, we can provide a new level of capabilities to support NextGen and SESAR even better. Like Airbus ProSky, Metron Aviation is not an ATM equipment manufacturer, so the acquisition is a perfect fit for our approach of seeking to partner with the FAA and the world’s ANSPs.”

“Airbus and Metron Aviation are both committed to the long-term transformation of ATM to support air transportation growth and the introduction of new concepts that utilize current system and aircraft capabilities to increase efficiency, lower fuel burn and cut emissions today”, said Dave Ellison, who will remain CEO of Metron Aviation after the acquisition. “Airbus shares our commitment to the success of NextGen and the passion of our employees –some of the best and brightest in our industry – for shaping the future of air transportation worldwide.  That’s why this is such a great fit for both companies.”

Metron Aviation will operate as a US subsidiary of Airbus Americas, Inc., and its Board of Directors will be chaired by Allan McArtor, Chairman of Airbus Americas and former Administrator of the FAA.

FMI: www.airbus.com, www.metronaviation.com