Story ID: 
Priester Aviation Acquires Maxair and Elite Jets
By: Amy Wilder
Caption: Wisconsin and Florida operators bring 17 business aircraft to group
Word Count: 199
George J. Priester Aviation acquired Maxair and Elite Jets, adding 17 aircraft and operations in Wisconsin and Florida to the U.S. company’s charter network, Priester announced March 6.
The acquisitions add Maxair’s Appleton, Wisconsin, base and Elite Jets’ Naples, Florida, location to an Illinois-based group that includes Priester Aviation, Mayo Aviation, Hill Private Aviation, and Omni Private Aviation. Both acquired companies will retain their names and regional operational focus.
The 17 aircraft joining the fleet, nearly all of which are available for charter, include Embraer Phenom 300s, a Legacy 500, Gulfstream G200s, and a Gulfstream GV.
“This partnership brings together organizations that share a passion in delivering high-touch ownerships and charter experience built on safety, service, and long-term relationships,” said chairman Andy Priester. “Maxair and Elite Jets are experts in owned aircraft charter; Priester, Mayo, Hill, and Omni specialize in aircraft management and ad-hoc charter.”
The combined companies will share operational expertise and regional relationships while retaining individual market connections. George J. Priester Aviation partnered with Invision Capital on the transaction.
George J. Priester Aviation holds Argus Platinum rating, Wyvern approval, and Air Charter Safety Foundation certifications.