Alton Aviation eyes Middle East expansion

Global aviation consultancy Alton Aviation looks set to expand its Middle East business, thanks to the success of its Dubai office, opened in early 2022.

Dubai added a new dimension to the Alton network which includes New York, Dublin, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo and Singapore, contributing to the firm’s double-digit growth in its professional consulting ranks during last year.

Raffi Kasparian, managing director in Alton’s Dubai office, says: “Alton opened its Dubai office in early 2022, and since then has strengthened its extensive relationships with regional clients throughout the aviation value chain, while supporting an increasing number of new partners.

“We are proud to have an office and team of advisors on the ground in the Middle East, a region that remains at the forefront of aviation innovation and growth.“

Alton’s advisory work has grown across all key segments of the aviation value chain, including post-Covid corporate strategy, airline and lessor fleet strategy, restructurings, M&A due diligence, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) strategic sourcing, and new technology advisory in advanced air mobility and other sectors.

In 2022, the firm successfully completed more than 150 engagements for in excess of 100 clients, more than two-thirds of them repeat clients. To meet rising demand for guidance on navigating the industry’s post-pandemic recovery, the firm strengthened its ranks with several senior-level hires across the network.  

Its expanded presence in the Middle East enabled the firm to deepen relationships with airports, airlines, aviation authorities and other service providers across the region.

In 2022, Alton also continued its commitment to the Pledge 1% philanthropic movement, donating 1% of revenue to a range of charitable causes. As part of this, the firm sponsored a matching donation campaign for Airlink, the rapid-response humanitarian relief organisation, to support its work in and around Ukraine. Other organisations supported by Alton this year included Doctors of the World, Challenge Air, World Central Kitchen, and Food from the Heart.

Alton Aviation was founded in 2017 by veteran aviation industry executives, globally recognised for their thought leadership, quantitative analytics and innovative solution development. The firm offers full value chain coverage with clients including airlines, manufacturers, MRO and aftermarket service providers, lessors and the broader financial and investment community.