Acquisition adds skis, heavy-duty nose forks, and cargo and fuel pods to McFarlane’s aftermarket offering
McFarlane Aviation, a Victor Sierra company, has acquired Airglas Inc., an Anchorage-based manufacturer of fiberglass skis, heavy-duty nose forks, and cargo and fuel pods for backcountry and military aircraft.
Airglas will continue manufacturing its full product portfolio in Anchorage with its existing team following the acquisition. McFarlane said the transition will not change the products or personnel supporting operators who have relied on Airglas equipment for decades.
The acquisition expands McFarlane’s portfolio of aircraft aftermarket products while bringing Airglas equipment into a broader distribution network serving pilots, mechanics and operators.
Airglas has built its business around equipment designed for aircraft operating from snow, gravel, tundra and other off-airport environments. “We have spent decades building equipment for pilots who land where there is no runway,” said Shane Langland, Owner of Airglas. “Joining McFarlane lets our team keep doing that work here in Alaska, while McFarlane’s distribution network puts our products in reach of pilots and mechanics around the world.”
Under the new ownership, Airglas will continue producing its existing product line in Anchorage. The company’s focus on specialised equipment for off-airport operations will also remain unchanged.
The key change will be distribution, with McFarlane’s network expected to provide broader access to Airglas products for customers outside Alaska.
Expanding the Aftermarket Portfolio
McFarlane already supplies equipment supporting bush aircraft, including Alaskan Bushwheels, tailwheel suspension systems and main landing gear for aircraft from manufacturers including Cessna, Piper, Maule and Husky. Airglas adds complementary products to that portfolio, including: Fiberglass skis for Cessna, Piper, Maule, Husky and other aircraft. Heavy-duty nose forks for Cessna, Piper and GippsAero Airvan aircraft, including options that enable installation of larger tyres. Cargo and fuel pods providing additional storage and fuel capacity for specialised operations.
The products are designed for aircraft operating in demanding environments, including snow and remote terrain.
Wider distribution for specialised equipment
Airglas products are built to standards developed for military aircraft, according to the company, providing equipment designed for demanding operating conditions and applications beyond typical general aviation service environments.
The acquisition gives McFarlane an opportunity to broaden its support for operators requiring specialised landing gear and aircraft equipment while strengthening its position across the general aviation and military aftermarket.
“Adding Airglas to our family of brands strengthens our commitment to the Alaska market, expands our general aviation and military business, and advances our mission to keep customers flying,” said Scott Still, President of Victor Sierra.
“Wherever our customers fly, we want the equipment they depend on within easy reach.”
Airglas products are currently available through McFarlane Alaska, with wider availability through McFarlane Aviation planned in the coming period.
The acquisition adds another specialised product line to McFarlane’s aftermarket portfolio while retaining Airglas’ existing manufacturing operation and workforce in Alaska.
