Momentum Media acquires B2B publication Australian Aviation
B2B publisher Momentum Media has expanded into a new business vertical, with the acquisition of Australian Aviation and World of Aviation from Aviator Media.
Australian Aviation has been around since 1977, and according to Momentum Media, sets the benchmark for long-form aviation journalism.
Momentum said the domestic aviation industry is worth $46bn
Momentum’s acquisition includes the Australian Aviation website, podcast, social media channels, and the print magazine. In addition, the assets of World of Aviation – established in 2018 – have been acquired.
Momentum Media’s co-founder Phillip Tarrant said the expansion into aviation helps the business realise its plans to build a suite of products across the aerospace and defence sectors. The business acquired Defence Connect in late 2016, and then launched Space Connect in November 2018.
“Our initial plan is to bed down these new assets and inject our energies and efforts to amplify their current operations, then seek to expand based on our experiences in the other markets in which we operate,” Tarrant said.
Momentum did not respond to questions about staffing or structure, including whether existing staff would come across with the publication, or if it would be resourced by its existing editorial outfit.
Momentum Media director Phillip Tarrant will head up the aviation division
Australian Aviation and World of Aviation’s previous owner, director of Aviator Media Christian Boucousis, was full of praise for Momentum, saying there was no better custodian for the brands.
“These brands are in their ascendency, driven by an aviation sector, both at home and abroad, in need of up-to-the-minute information and intelligence,” he said.
“Momentum is a forward-leaning organisation; they understand the disruptive effect that digital can be in today’s world. Rather than fighting this disruption, Momentum has embraced it and I’m impressed with their deep understanding of community.
“This deal brings high-quality information to the industry, with a focus on enhancing situational awareness across multiple platforms. It also delivers a meeting place to celebrate the successes and the people that also have a passion for aviation and I’m excited to see where Momentum will take things, considering their established events business.”
Boucousis will continue as a brand ambassador, co-host of the podcast and “chief pilot”.
“As an independent publisher, I don’t believe we had the resourcing to do these brands and the industry the justice they deserve. I have the utmost trust in Phillip and his team, and I’m excited to stay connected in a meaningful way with the brands on an ongoing basis,” he said.
“Under Momentum’s leadership, both Australian Aviation and World of Aviation will support the ongoing growth and development of the domestic and global aviation sectors. The organisation’s strategic approach to deliver timely news and detailed insights will secure its place as a valued asset to the industry as it enters an exciting new decade of growth and development.”
The publisher said the global aviation industry is valued at AU$4.0 trillion – or 3.6% of global GDP.
Momentum also caters to the legal sector with Lawyers Weekly, finance professionals with IFA and Accountants Daily, and mortgage brokers with The Adviser and Mortgage Business.
Momentum Media’s Defence Connect won Business Website of the Year at the 2018 Mumbrella Publish Awards. To stay up-to-date with this year’s Publish Awards program, sign up below.
Keep up to date with Publish
topics
Australian Aviation
Aviator Media
Christian Boucousis
Momentum Media
Phillip Tarrant
publishing
World of Aviation
