Setna iO CEO David Chaimovitz
Setna iO recently reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Zulu Global, a Florida-based provider of component repairs, sales, and parts manufacturer approval (PMA) and designated engineering representative (DER) repair development. Setna iO CEO David Chaimovitz spoke with Aviation Week Network about his plans for the new investment.
How will a majority stake in Zulu Global add value to Setna iO’s core competencies?
Bringing Zulu Global into the Setna iO ecosystem strengthens our in-house MRO capabilities and expands our ability to support customers across the aviation aftermarket. With expertise in airframe, accessories, instruments and engine components, plus PMA and DER repair development, Zulu adds depth to what we can offer. This partnership allows us to deliver even better, more cost-effective solutions while keeping more of the process under one roof.
What is the scale of investment you are making in Zulu Global?
We're making a meaningful investment in Zulu Global’s growth, focusing on expanding their footprint, building their team and enhancing their technology. This isn’t just about scaling up—it’s about giving Zulu the resources to do what they do best, but on a bigger stage. We’re committed to helping them reach more customers, develop new capabilities and continue pushing the already thriving business forward.
What is your main priority during the initial growth phrase for this investment?
Our top priority is scaling Zulu’s operations to support growth without disrupting what makes them successful. That means expanding their physical footprint to increase capacity and investing in their team. We’re focused on smart, sustainable growth—making sure they have the space, resources and support needed to handle greater demand.
With the increasing consolidation in the PMA and DER sectors, and your acquisition of Zulu Global, how do you see the future of these capabilities evolving?
Airlines and operators are under more pressure than ever to find cost-effective, reliable alternatives to OEM parts and repairs, and PMA and DER solutions are becoming a bigger part of that equation. As the industry consolidates, the companies that can combine technical expertise with real scale will be the ones that make the biggest impact. Bringing Zulu Global into the Setna iO ecosystem gives us the ability to expand these offerings in a way that actually helps customers—lowering costs, improving availability and providing more options.
Do you have plans to expand or scale back certain areas of the new business?
Expansion is the focus. Right now, the priority is growing Zulu to support more customers and a wider range of MRO services. We see big opportunities in PMA and DER repair development, and we want to make sure we’re giving those capabilities the resources they need to scale. At the same time, we’ll be looking at where we can streamline operations—not by scaling back, but by making sure we’re focusing on the areas that provide the most value to customers.
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