Kuehne+Nagel Acquires Eastway to Dominate Aerospace Logistics

Kuehne+Nagel Strengthens Aerospace Logistics Leadership with Eastway Acquisition

Kuehne+Nagel, the Switzerland-headquartered global logistics powerhouse, has announced on November 03, 2025, its intention to acquire Eastway Global Forwarding Ltd., a family-owned aerospace logistics provider headquartered in Limerick, Ireland.

Upon closing, Eastway will become a fully owned subsidiary of Kuehne+Nagel, marking a significant strategic move in the competitive aerospace logistics sector.

Eastway specializes in delivering time-critical services to the aviation industry, positioning itself as a crucial player in a sector where reliability and speed are paramount. The Irish company offers aircraft-on-ground (AOG) services, aircraft engine logistics, aviation logistics and warehousing, and customs brokerage services. Additionally, Eastway provides full lifecycle services for the aviation leasing industry, a growing segment within aerospace logistics.

Why Eastway Acquisition Matters for Aerospace Logistics ?

The acquisition represents a calculated expansion of Kuehne+Nagel’s aerospace logistics network at a time when the industry is experiencing rapid development. Yngve Ruud, Member of the Management Board responsible for Air Logistics, emphasized the strategic importance:

“The acquisition supports our targeted bolt-on acquisition strategy by strengthening our aerospace logistics offering globally and accelerating our growth ambitions in the fast-developing aerospace industry.”

This move reflects Kuehne+Nagel’s commitment to consolidating specialized capabilities on a global scale. The aerospace industry has become increasingly complex, with operators and leasing companies requiring integrated solutions that span maintenance coordination, emergency response, and regulatory compliance. By acquiring Eastway, Kuehne+Nagel gains immediate access to established relationships and proven expertise in these critical areas.

Eastway’s Role in the Aerospace Ecosystem

Eastway’s service offerings address some of the most demanding requirements in aviation. Aircraft-on-ground(A.O.G) services are particularly valuable—when an aircraft is grounded due to mechanical issues, delays can cost operators thousands of dollars per hour. Eastway’s time-critical response capabilities help minimize these disruptions. The company’s engine logistics services support the complex supply chains required to keep aircraft operational, while its customs brokerage services facilitate the cross-border movement of aviation components and parts.

The full lifecycle services for aviation leasing companies represent another critical segment. As the aviation leasing industry continues to grow, lessors require partners who can manage everything from component sourcing to maintenance coordination to end-of-life asset management. Eastway’s expertise in this area fills a valuable gap in Kuehne+Nagel’s service portfolio.

Strategic Fit Within Kuehne+Nagel’s Expansion Plans

Kuehne+Nagel has demonstrated consistent focus on strengthening its air logistics capabilities throughout 2025. The company launched a new air logistics gateway in Bengaluru, India, expanded its cross-border transport capabilities in Southeast Asia, and collaborated with MTU Maintenance Lease Services on a new fulfillment centre in Zhuhai, China, to support aero engine parts supply.

The Eastway acquisition fits seamlessly into this broader expansion strategy.

In the first nine months of 2025, Kuehne+Nagel Group increased its net turnover by 3% to CHF 18.5 billion, demonstrating solid operational performance despite challenging market conditions. The aerospace logistics segment represents a high-margin, specialized niche within the broader logistics industry, making it an attractive focus area for growth-oriented investments.

Market Implications and Industry Perspective

Industry insiders view the acquisition as a strategic consolidation of specialized aerospace logistics capabilities on a global scale. The deal reflects broader trends in logistics, where companies are increasingly seeking to build comprehensive, integrated service offerings rather than competing on price alone. Eastway’s family-owned status and established reputation in the Irish and European aerospace markets suggest the company has built strong relationships that will prove valuable to Kuehne+Nagel’s expansion efforts.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approval. Once closed, Eastway’s operations will be integrated into Kuehne+Nagel’s Air Logistics division, enabling the combined entity to offer customers a more comprehensive suite of aerospace logistics services across Europe and globally.

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Sources

• Kuehne+Nagel Media Releases