Acquisition Strengthens Presence in California Market
Sentient Jet Holdings, LLC has
completed the acquisition of The Air Group, Inc., a premier
aircraft management company. The addition of The Air Group, based
in Van Nuys, California, expands Sentient’s presence in the
Southern California market. In combination with the recent
agreement by Sentient Flight Group, LLC to acquire the aircraft
management operations of TAG Aviation USA, Sentient is now the
leading manager of aircraft in the country.
“We are committed to continuing to build on our position
as the leading aircraft management company in the industry and The
Air Group is a terrific addition to Sentient,” said Steven
Hankin, chief executive officer. “The Air Group, with a large
group of loyal clients, has earned a reputation for excellence
within the industry. This acquisition further strengthens our
aircraft management experience and provides us with one of the
largest and highest-quality fleets for charter customers. With The
Air Group’s new facility in Teterboro, New Jersey and the
planned opening of a new facility in Van Nuys in the spring of
2008, we also gain access to top-notch facilities for our clients
at two important airports.”
The Air Group will be an operating subsidiary of Sentient and
will continue to offer aircraft management and aircraft charter
services. The Air Group’s current management team, including
President Jon Winthrop, will continue to lead operations in Van
Nuys.
“We are excited to join the
Sentient team,” said Winthrop. “The company has a broad
range of capabilities and expertise in private aviation and its
culture, focused on service and safety, aligns with the foundation
we have built at The Air Group over the past 27 years. Being a part
of Sentient will increase the value we bring to our long-standing
aircraft owners and the charter clients we serve.”
Within a short period of time, Sentient has emerged as a leader
in the private aviation industry, known for its focus on customer
service and its innovative approach to safety programs. In addition
to being the leading aircraft management company through its
subsidiary operators, Sentient also includes Sentient Jet, Inc.,
which operates Sentient Jet Membership, the leading private jet
membership program with more than 3,000 active Members.
The Air Group was advised in the transaction by Kerlin Capital
Group, a private investment bank in Los Angeles.
Sentient Jet Holdings (“Sentient”) includes Sentient
Jet, Inc., which operates Sentient Jet Membership, as well as
Sentient Flight Group, LLC, and other operating subsidiaries.
Sentient is a leading provider of private aviation services for
clients across the country.