Citadel Aviation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Mach 1 Aviation Group, expanding its Gulfstream maintenance capabilities and establishing an East Coast presence in the US.
The transaction, which is expected to close by the end of September 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, will add Mach 1’s FAA Part 145-certified repair station in Savannah, Georgia, to Citadel’s growing service network. The deal’s financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 2020 by former Gulfstream master technicians Richard Bennett, Derek Johnston and Ben Venuti, Mach 1 specialises in aircraft-on-ground (AOG) response and Gulfstream airframe, avionics and cabin systems support.
The company provides worldwide support from its Savannah base and has more than 100 years of combined technical experience across its team. Its capabilities include avionics, SATCOM and cabin communication systems, engine and airframe systems, as well as entry-into-service programmes.
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Mach 1 also serves a broad customer base comprising Part 135 operators and Part 91 aircraft owners. Its established relationships have positioned the company as a maintenance provider as well as a support partner for aircraft transactions.
“Mach 1 has built a reputation for answering the phone and being wheels-up within hours, anywhere in the world,” said Greg Colgan, CEO of Citadel Aviation. “Pairing that responsiveness with Citadel’s depth in maintenance, modification, interior refurbishments, and upgrades means an owner has access to a more comprehensive suite of services.”
Following the acquisition, Mach 1 will continue operating under its existing FAA Part 145 certificate and maintain its customer commitments. Its Savannah facility will become Citadel’s East Coast service and AOG coordination point.
The deal will also give Mach 1 customers access to Citadel’s broader nose-to-tail capabilities, including maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), cabin interior refurbishment, engineering, connectivity and technology upgrades, and support for narrow- and wide-body VIP aircraft.
Citadel customers, meanwhile, will gain access to Mach 1’s rapid-response capabilities for Gulfstream aircraft, strengthening the company’s support for business aviation operators.
The acquisition forms part of Citadel Aviation’s broader expansion strategy. The company rebranded from Citadel Completions in January 2026 as it expanded into a full-service global aircraft provider. It also secured 13 new VIP aircraft projects in January and established operations at Dallas Love Field in March.
Citadel has completed 48 aircraft projects to date, with Mach 1 representing its third major capability expansion in less than a year.
