Unifi Aviation, the global aviation services business of the Argenbright Group, has acquired Up & Away, one of the UK’s leading aircraft services and private jet detailing businesses.

Up & Away provides key aviation services, including cabin cleaning, de-icing, private jet detailing, technical cleaning, and other adjacent aviation services. It counts UK and European airlines and global VIPs/dignitaries among its clientele.

Up & Away was founded in 2008 by Stefan Murphy and has grown exponentially under his leadership. Up & Away currently has a presence in thirteen UK airports, including Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Newcastle (NCL), with an upcoming fourteenth location at London Gatwick Airport (LGW).

In addition, Up & Away services select customers across more than 10 additional airports in the UK, including Bournemouth (BOH), London City (LCY), and Liverpool (LPL).

Growing its UK business

Unifi aims to grow its UK business to more than $120 million in the region over the next three years, benefiting its key stakeholders, its customers and employees. Murphy will become Unifi’s Managing Director based in the UK.

Gautam Thakkar, CEO of Unifi, said: “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.”

Stefan Murphy, Founder and Managing Director, Up & Away, 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 organisation like Unifi opens new doors.”Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter