Crombeen Aviation Service Düsseldorf GmbH acquired the insolvent service provider NH Airport Service effective March 1, 2026. This transfer, structured as an asset deal, secured the company's continued operation at Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), thus preserving approximately 90 jobs.
NH Airport Service had previously undergone insolvency proceedings under self-administration due to severe liquidity problems. The successful restructuring and subsequent sale mark the conclusion of an intensive process lasting approximately two and a half months, overseen by the insolvency administrator appointed by the Düsseldorf District Court, Till Forster of the law firm White & Case.
The legal proceedings were overseen by the law firm Heidemann Küthe Rechtsanwälte, which specializes in restructuring. The aim of the self-administration was to maintain the aircraft cleaning company's operations without interruption while a strategic investor was sought. Crombeen Aviation Service, an established player in ground handling services, significantly strengthens its market position at Germany's third-largest airport through this acquisition. The integration of NH's workforce and technical equipment allows the acquiring company to offer the entire ground operations chain – from cabin cleaning to specialized airline services – from a single source.
Industry experts view this move as part of a consolidation wave among ground handling service providers at German airports. The sector has been under considerable cost pressure for some time, while airlines' demands for short turnaround times and high cleaning standards are increasing. For Düsseldorf Airport, the acquisition means a stabilization of service quality, as NH Airport Service held long-term contracts with national and international airlines. Crombeen now plans to optimize operational processes and leverage synergies in personnel planning and vehicle logistics on the apron to secure the airport's long-term competitiveness.
The acquisition includes existing customer contracts as well as the specific equipment for aircraft interior cleaning. Preserving jobs prevents the loss of skilled workers in a sensitive area of airport infrastructure. The Düsseldorf District Court formally concluded the proceedings with the confirmation of the asset transfer. For NH Airport Service's creditors, the sale to a strategic partner also means a better recovery rate compared to a breakup of the business. Crombeen Aviation Service thus strengthens its role as a key system partner in operational flight services in North Rhine-Westphalia.