Farnborough's Up & Away acquired by Unifi Aviation

Farnborough-based aircraft services company Up & Away has been acquired by global group Unifi Aviation, which aims to grow its UK business to more than US$120 million in the next three years.

Up & Away was founded in 2008 by Stefan Murphy and provides services, including cabin cleaning, de-icing, private jet detailing and more.

It already has a presence in 13 UK airports, including Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, with an upcoming 14th at London Gatwick. The firm also services select customers across more than ten further UK airports.

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Founder Murphy, who will become Unifi’s managing director based in the UK, said: "I have been fortunate to build this company from the ground up. I look forward to this immensely exciting phase of growth, and joining a leading aviation services organization like Unifi opens new doors.

"I want to thank George Rolls, our former chairman, for his astute guidance and unwavering support through the formative years of the business and recent negotiations. I also want to thank all of Up & Away’s staff and customers for their loyalty and contributions, without which this exciting expansion would not be possible."

CEO of Unifi Gautam Thakka added: "Up & Away has earned a strong reputation for exceptional services. We look forward to working with Stefan and his team as they join the Unifi family and build upon Up & Away’s track record.

"More than 224 million passengers traveled to and from airports in the UK in 2022, and we are confident that our knowledge and experience from operating in 200+ airports, including the world’s busiest, will allow Unifi to replicate its success in the UK and provide the customers an exceptional experience."

US-headquartered Unifi Aviation is the global aviation services business of the Argenbright Group and the acquisition further strengthens the Argenbright Group’s investment in the UK, where it already has over 5,000 employees.

Ernie Patterson, the chairman of international business for Argenbright Group, will provide additional oversight of Unifi’s UK aviation business and work with Up & Away’s team to broaden operations into newer airports, including London Heathrow.