Austria’s aviation ground services sector is undergoing a major change after ISS Austria sold its entire aviation business to its former director in a management buyout.
From 1 January 2026, the operation will trade as Peryton Aviation Services GmbH, under the ownership of David Hiersche, who has led the aviation division for more than a decade.
The deal ends almost 30 years of ISS involvement in ground handling and aircraft cleaning at Austrian airports. It covers a wide range of services, including aircraft and maintenance cleaning, passenger services, document checks and security-related work.
Around 400 employees will transfer to the new company. ISS Austria said the move would ensure continuity for staff and airline customers, as the existing management team and day-to-day operations will remain unchanged.
ISS Austria’s chief executive, Erich Steinreiber, said airport operations require highly specialised management because of tight schedules, strict security rules and round-the-clock operations.
He said selling the aviation unit allows ISS to focus more clearly on its core businesses, such as technical building management and industrial services.
Mr Hiersche said the new, independent company would be better placed to respond quickly to the needs of airlines and airport operators, particularly as air traffic stabilises after recent disruptions.
He added that maintaining high standards in aircraft cleaning and security checks is vital for Austria’s competitiveness as an aviation hub.
For airlines, the buyout means familiar contacts and established teams remain in place. Industry experts say this is especially important in aviation, where staff must hold security clearances and specialised training.
ISS Austria will continue to employ around 7,000 people and is expanding its technical services following the recent acquisition of Franye Gebäudetechnik.
The company said it is streamlining its business by stepping away from aviation, which it described as more volatile and dependent on global flight schedules.
Analysts say the move reflects a wider trend in aviation, with airlines increasingly outsourcing ground services to specialist providers.
With its experience and existing contracts, Peryton Aviation Services is expected to look for growth opportunities in Austria and the wider Alps–Adriatic region.