Unlox has acquired a minority stake in Jonair, a leading Swedish aviation operator headquartered in Umeå. The company operates a fleet of eight aircraft and one helicopter and provides state-contracted passenger services (PSO), as well as government and business charter services.
Founded in 1972, Jonair has developed into a leading Swedish aviation operator over more than 50 years. Since Mattias Eriksson took over the company in 2013, the business has undergone a significant transformation, driven by strategic investments in the aircraft fleet and an increased focus on PSO services. The fleet consists of eight aircraft and one helicopter.
Today, the company operates four of Sweden’s six PSO routes, state-contracted passenger routes that provide infrastructure-critical air connectivity and ensure regional accessibility. In addition, Jonair provides government charter, business charter and helicopter services, including recurring transports of detainees for the Swedish Prison Service (Kriminalvården) and time-critical organ transports for healthcare providers under framework agreements.
Through high operational reliability, deep sector expertise and a strategically tailored fleet, Jonair has built long-standing relationships with both public and private customers. With a stable and recurring revenue base, high operational quality and a strong position within mission-critical aviation services, Jonair is well positioned for continued expansion.
“We have built Jonair step by step over more than 50 years. We are now entering a new phase where I saw significant value in bringing in a partner for the journey ahead – one that combines a long-term perspective, competence and capital, while also having strong local roots in northern Sweden. In Unlox, we gain an owner that understands the region and its business community, has extensive experience in developing companies and can support us for the long term.”
Mattias Eriksson, CEO and owner, Jonair
A long-term partnership for the next phase of growth
Through the partnership with Unlox, Jonair gains additional capacity and resources to continue its growth journey. Together, Jonair and Unlox have a strong foundation to drive the company’s next phase of development and significantly strengthen its position in an attractive market with growing demand for critical aviation services.
“For us, Jonair is a company that represents more than just a financial investment. Aviation connects a region where distances are significant and alternatives are limited. We enter into this partnership with a long-term ownership perspective, with the ambition to support Jonair and Mattias in the best possible way on their continued journey and contribute to the development of northern Sweden.”
Markus Olsson, founder & CEO, Unlox
Merge led a successful process that generated interest from both Nordic and international investors
Jonair’s combination of stable public-sector revenues, a leading position within PSO routes and high operational quality attracted interest from both Nordic and international investors. Merge was entrusted to lead the process and identify the partner best positioned to support Jonair’s continued expansion and long-term vision.
“Thank you to Merge for your commitment, professionalism and support throughout the entire process. Your ability to understand both our business and the complexities of the transaction was instrumental in successfully completing the transaction and creating a strong foundation for the next phase of our journey.”
Mattias Eriksson, CEO and owner, Jonair
It has been a great pleasure to work closely with Mattias and Jonair throughout the process. We greatly appreciate the trust placed in us to support the company during an important phase and are pleased that the process has resulted in a long-term partnership with Unlox. Services and infrastructure are two of Merge’s focus areas, where we continue to see strong interest from both financial investors and strategic buyers.
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