Volato has completed the sale of GC Aviation, including its FAA Part 135 air carrier certificate, for $2 million in cash, the company announced this week. The divestiture marks a shift in Volato’s business model, reducing its direct flight operations in favor of a platform-based approach, meaning charter brokering.
Volato described the decision as part of a long-term strategy to exit capital-intensive flight service operations and instead work with third-party operators. The firm’s proprietary platforms support fractional ownership, charter, aircraft leasing, and other private aviation services.
The buyer of GC Aviation was not disclosed. Volato had previously used the certificate to conduct its managed aircraft operations. With this move, the Atlanta-based company aims to concentrate on its proprietary Mission Control software, Vaunt experiential travel platform, and expanding aircraft trading and leasing activities.
“Divesting GC Aviation was a deliberate move to concentrate on the areas of our business with the highest growth potential and strongest returns,” said Matt Liotta, co-founder and CEO of Volato. “It allows us to deploy capital more effectively, strengthen our balance sheet, and accelerate platform-driven opportunities that expand value for our customers and shareholders.”
According to the company, the proceeds from the sale will be used to fund expansion across Mission Control, Vaunt, and its aircraft trading and leasing efforts.
Last week, Volato announced that it had expanded its Vaunt platform through a new partnership with Leviate Air Group, which added 13 aircraft to the network, including six HondaJets. Leviate also introduced the first large-cabin aircraft, a Bombardier Global 5000, into the partner ecosystem. According to Volato, Vaunt has recently reported an 85% sequential increase in top-line sales and added hotel and airline booking capabilities.