IFPL has acquired Cobalt Aerospace Group, an aerospace design and manufacturing company. IFPL, based in the UK’s Isle of Wight, specialises in the design and manufacture of passenger interface systems for the IFEC industry, and paid an undisclosed sum for Cobalt.
“We have known the Cobalt Aerospace team since the company’s formation in 2013 and have watched with interest as they have successfully brought several innovative solutions to market. We are confident that by combining the considerable skills and expertise within both businesses, we will be able to significantly broaden and strengthen our offering to our customers,” read an IFPL statement.
The acquisition will add several new aircraft cabin technologies to IFPL’s product portfolio, including Cobalt Spectrum, a drop-in LED mood lighting system; Cobalt Unplugged, a range of wireless chargers that can be integrated into arm rests and other cabin surfaces; and GLS-7 photoluminescent emergency floor path markings.
Cobalt Aerospace will also bring specialist certification knowledge and status to the IFPL Group, as a UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 21J Design Organisation . This enhanced capability will enable the two companies to better support customers with classifying and approving aircraft changes across a variety of areas, including avionics, cabin interiors and electrical systems.
Existing IFPL and Cobalt Aerospace customers will be otherwise unaffected by the deal, as both brands will continue to operate under their respective brand names (though under the umbrella company IFPL Group Limited), with all staff, services and products being retained.
