Three Romanian investment entities, co-founded by Horia Ciorcilă, have signed a strategic agreement to acquire a 50% stake in the airline operator AnimaWings from brothers Cristian and Marius Pandel. The transaction, which is subject to review by the Competition Council and the Commission for the Examination of Foreign Direct Investment, aims to accelerate the company’s development through institutional capital injection, while maintaining full control of the shareholding by Romanian investors.
The investor group consists of BT Asset Management SAI, Winners Holding Investments, and EVERGENT Investments. BT Asset Management, part of the Banca Transilvania Financial Group, manages assets exceeding EUR 1.92 billion for approximately 475,000 investors. EVERGENT Investments, a company listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, manages assets of over EUR 769.26 million, with a market capitalization of over EUR 500.02 million. In the new structure, Marius Pandel will retain his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and the founders of the Memento group will hold the remaining 50% of the shares.
AnimaWings, which became a 100% Romanian-owned company again in 2024 after acquiring the 51% stake previously held by Aegean Airlines, currently operates a fleet of 7 Airbus aircraft. The business plan envisions doubling the capacity to 14 aircraft by the end of 2027. During the summer season, the operator serves 60 routes to 30 destinations, including domestic flights between Bucharest and major regional centers (Cluj-Napoca, Iași, Timișoara, Oradea), as well as major European routes. For 2026, the company has planned an extensive charter program to 25 holiday destinations, with the listing of the Christian Tour agency on the Bucharest Stock Exchange also targeted for the same year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the new investors in AnimaWings?
The investor group consists of BT Asset Management (part of Banca Transilvania Financial Group), Winners Holding Investments, and EVERGENT Investments.
What are the expansion plans for the airline’s fleet?
AnimaWings aims to double its fleet capacity from the current 7 Airbus aircraft to 14 aircraft by the end of 2027.
Who will lead the company following the transaction?
Marius Pandel will retain his role as CEO, while the founders of the Memento group will continue to hold the remaining 50% stake.