Sunset Aviation To Focus On Business In California
JetDirect Aviation Holdings, LLC
announced last week it has established Sunset Aviation, Inc. as its
light jet and turboprop management and charter operating subsidiary
with a primary geographic focus in California.
Founded in 1992 as an aircraft charter, management, sales and
acquisition consulting company in Novato, CA, Sunset Aviation was
acquired by JetDirect in 2007. Over the years, Sunset developed a
particular focus on turboprop and light jet operation in response
to market demand.
"Today Sunset is an established leader in that industry
segment," stated Greg Campbell, JetDirect Aviation Holdings, LLC
Chairman. "We will leverage Sunset's experience and expertise
managing and operating more than thirty-five turboprop, light jet
and VLJs under its air carrier certificate. This newly-focused
Sunset Aviation is today one of the nation's largest light jet Part
135 charter fleets."
Dan Drohan, Sunset's founder, will serve as Sunset President and
CEO. Drohan's management team includes John King, Sunset's Chief
Financial Officer and Greg Petersen, the company's Chief Operating
Officer. King and Petersen were both with Sunset before the company
was acquired by JetDirect, bringing tremendous financial and
operational depth and experience to the new venture.
"The Sunset operating model provides the economies of scale
necessary for Sunset to compete effectively in the light jet and
turboprop management charter markets throughout California," said
Dave Weil, Senior Vice President Regional Operations and
Administration for parent JetDirect Aviation.
Sunset will continue to operate as an independent Part 135 air
carrier with its operations and maintenance controlled from its
Petaluma, CA headquarters, while accessing certain non-operational
business support, sales and marketing services from the JetDirect
affiliates.
"This product is a tremendous addition to the JetDirect line of
service offerings," Drohan continued. "The turboprop and light jet
market represent a very important niche within the industry and I
am pleased with our parent company's recognition of our role within
that niche."
The new Sunset fleet is comprised of King Airs, Citations,
Beechjets, Learjets, Premiers, Hawkers and Eclipse aircraft,
currently operating from bases throughout California, as well as
locations in Texas, Ohio and Florida. Drohan anticipates
significant fleet growth in California during the next eighteen
months.
The speed and range of light jets and turboprops have shown to
best serve regional markets. Their operating economics are better
suited to pooled rather than dedicated pilot resources, and the
JetDirect legacy and component companies have particular strength
in serving those markets. "By establishing other California bases
with the parent company's national business support, Sunset will be
able to leverage our strength, and compete very effectively in that
market segment," Weil said.
"This is an important part of the original JetDirect vision, to
provide tailored operations and services for every market niche,"
added Campbell. "There's a lot of blue sky ahead, for Sunset and
JetDirect."
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