Jim Blessing is the President of AirFleet Capital, Inc., a finance firm focused on aircraft lending to the “owner-flown” segment of the aviation industry. At AirFleet, he oversees all functions of the company, to include strategic planning, marketing and sales, and he participates regularly with credit evaluation and underwriting. He joined AirFleet in 1999 and has helped participate in its growth from a new entrant in aircraft lending to one of the larger firms in the segment.
Prior to AirFleet he was the CFO and Director of Corporate Affairs for an aviation company with a focus on government contracting. The firm provided logistical support through the Department of Defense and United Nations special programs groups in North and South America and Africa, with both fleet-owned and contracted aircraft. His prior employer also operated a Part 145 Repair Station specializing in light aircraft, helicopters and commuter airliners.
Jim has worked in the field of aviation for his entire career, receiving his BS in Aviation from Florida Institute of Technology in 1988. He is a Private Pilot, a lifetime member AOPA, EAA and the Seaplane Pilots’ Association. Aviation is in his blood, as he was originally inspired to pursue aviation by his father who served in the United States Air Force. He met his wife Cathy in College at Florida Tech, who is also a pilot with both Instrument and Seaplane ratings, and works in the field of Air Traffic Control systems design.
