Sugar Land, TX August 04, 2025
PrimeFlight Aviation Services, a portfolio company of The Sterling Group, announced it had acquired StratAir’s cargo handling operations at Miami International Airport (MIA), Richmond International Airport (RIC), and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan (SJU) last week. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in PrimeFlight’s ongoing global cargo expansion strategy.
The addition of StratAir’s cargo handling operations at MIA, RIC, and SJU enhances PrimeFlight’s presence at key domestic and international cargo gateways. The move expands its network and capabilities to better serve its customers, which include leading global logistics providers and air cargo carriers. StratAir’s facilities, including a 120,000-square-foot third-party handling complex at MIA, will be integrated into PrimeFlight’s cargo division, bringing with it an expanded capacity, operational scale, and an experienced team of professionals.
“This acquisition is a key step forward in our mission to build a world-class, integrated cargo handling network,” Craig Smyth, President and CEO for PrimeFlight explained. “StratAir has built a strong reputation in the industry, and we are excited to bring their expertise, infrastructure, and customer relationships into our growing portfolio. Together, we are even better positioned to support the evolving needs of the air cargo industry.”
The StratAir transaction follows PrimeFlight’s recent acquisition of AirWorld at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), underscoring the company’s strategy to build a global cargo network anchored in major international hubs.
“Together, these investments reflect our commitment to developing a scalable platform focused on high-volume cargo gateways and specialized product handling—supporting the industry’s growing demand for time-critical and e-commerce-driven logistics solutions,” Craig added. “PrimeFlight remains focused on delivering operational excellence through safety, innovation, and exceptional customer service—principles that will guide the integration of StratAir’s operations.”
Saltchuk Aviation, the former parent company of StratAir, supported its growth since acquiring the company in 2016.
“StratAir has been an integral part of the Saltchuk Aviation portfolio, and we’re incredibly proud of the team and everything we’ve accomplished together. We made the strategic decision to sell the operation to a partner with the scale and network to take it even further,” Mike Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Saltchuk Aviation, added. “As we refocus on our core markets in Alaska and Hawaii, we knew StratAir deserved a partner with the resources and vision to support its continued growth. We wish them the very best in this next chapter with PrimeFlight.”
During the integration period, StratAir’s operations will continue under its current brand. Over time, these operations will transition to the PrimeFlight brand.
About PrimeFlight Aviation Services
Headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, PrimeFlight Aviation Services and its network of subsidiaries provides major airlines and airports with ground handling, fueling services, cargo handling, GSE maintenance, aircraft services, deicing, passenger services, aviation cleaning supplies, and terminal services, as well as general aviation aircraft cleaning and support services, across a global footprint. PrimeFlight is a portfolio company of The Sterling Group and Capitol Meridian Partners. For more information, visit www.primeflight.com.
About The Sterling Group
Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $750 million. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 76 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $25 billion. Sterling currently has over $9 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit www.sterling-group.com.
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