DENVER, COLORADO / ACCESS Newswire / March 9, 2026 / Crestone Air 
Partners, a global aviation asset management platform majority owned by 
Air T, Inc. $(AIRT)$, has entered into a definitive agreement to 
acquire Arena Aviation Capital, a well-established aviation asset 
manager with a diversified portfolio and deep airline relationships. The 
transaction is subject to closing conditions and approvals. 
      The acquisition materially expands Crestone's aviation lifecycle 
platform, enhancing its size and breadth of capabilities. Upon closing, 
the combined platform is expected to comprise approximately 124 aircraft 
and 17 engines on lease to customers globally, with over US$4 billion of 
assets under management and more than 55 employees across 5 countries, 
strengthening Crestone's position as a leading full-service aviation 
asset manager headquartered in Denver with a broad operating footprint. 
      Arena brings a seasoned team, a complementary portfolio, and deep 
expertise that aligns closely with Crestone's lifecycle-oriented 
investment approach. The combined organization will maintain offices in 
Denver, Amsterdam, and Dublin, with satellite presences in Singapore and 
Buenos Aires, supporting airline relationships globally. 
      "This transaction is a natural strategic fit and reflects our belief 
that the industry benefits from disciplined consolidation," said Kevin 
Milligan, CEO and Co-Founder of Crestone Air Partners. "Global coverage 
and scaled capital are essential to delivering durable value. Arena 
brings a highly respected team, with an excellent track record, strong 
technical capabilities, and long-standing relationships with aircraft 
owners and airlines." 
      "For Arena, this transaction marks an important milestone following more 
than a decade of building the business," said Patrick den Elzen, CEO of 
Arena Aviation Capital. "I am immensely proud of what my partners and 
our team have achieved, growing Arena into a trusted and respected 
aircraft lease management platform. We believe joining Crestone is the 
right next chapter, creating new opportunities for our team, 
strengthening our offering to investor clients, and positioning the 
platform for long-term success." 
      A portion of Arena Aviation Capital's management team will play key 
roles within the combined organization. Crestone anticipates a seamless 
integration focused on continuity for airline customers, capital 
partners, and employees. The combined group will leverage synergies 
across asset management, technical services, lease administration, and 
market intelligence, enabling more efficient operations and enhanced 
support for aircraft owners throughout the asset lifecycle. 
      Crestone was advised by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP as legal 
counsel, Kroll, LLC as financial advisor, and PwC on tax matters. 
      About Crestone Air Partners 
      Crestone Air Partners, Inc. (CAP) invests in commercial jet aircraft and 
the engines that power them on behalf of our capital partners. We are a 
full-service aviation asset management platform with a diverse portfolio 
of aircraft and engines leased to airlines globally. We target 
transactions throughout the asset lifecycle, taking a collaborative 
approach with our clients by offering flexible lease terms tailored to 
our customers' requirements. Crestone brings unique value to 
transactions by drawing on the expertise and capabilities of 
interrelated aviation specialist subsidiary businesses across the Air T 
family (airframe material sales, landing gear leasing, engine material 
sales, disassembly, and aircraft storage). Crestone is headquartered in 
Denver, Colorado, and is a business unit of Air T, Inc. holding company 
(NASDAQ:AIRT). Additional information can be found at: 
www.crestoneairpartners.com. 
      About Arena Aviation Capital 
      Arena Aviation Capital (www.arena-aviationcapital.com) is a full-service 
aircraft investment management company focusing on the complete life 
cycle of acquiring and leasing used commercial aviation assets, 
servicing investment and airline customers worldwide, and providing 
services including the origination, financing, risk management, and 
administration (finance/accounting and legal) of commercial aviation 
assets. Arena today manages aircraft and engines leased to airline 
customers worldwide. 
      About Air T, Inc. 
      Established in 1980, Air T Inc. is a portfolio of powerful businesses 
and financial assets, each of which is independent yet interrelated. Its 
core segments are overnight air cargo, ground support equipment, 
commercial aircraft, engines and parts, digital solutions, and regional 
airline. We seek to expand, strengthen and diversify Air T's after-tax 
cash flow per share. Our goal is to build Air T's core businesses, and 
when appropriate, to expand into adjacent and other industries. We seek 
to activate growth and overcome challenges while delivering meaningful 
value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.airt.com. 
      Contact 
      Richard Schact 
      SVP, Finance & Operations 
      r.schacht@crestoneairpartners.com 
      SOURCE: Air T, Inc. 
      View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire 
 
 

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 09, 2026 09:27 ET (13:27 GMT)