aircraft management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 25, 2023  

Contact: Tracey Cheek  
tlc@nafa.aero  
405-285-7005  

Dave Richter 
drichter@talonairjets.com
EVP Aircraft Management 
617.308.2387 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Talon Air 

National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is pleased to announce that Talon Air has recently joined its network of aviation professionals. Talon Air is a full-service private jet charter company that specializes in aircraft charter, aircraft maintenance and aircraft management. 

“Talon Air joining NAFA is a step forward in advancing our mission to improve and facilitate the financing process to support aircraft buyers,” said Ed Medici, NAFA President. We welcome Talon Air to our growing organization and enhancing opportunities for all our members.” 

About Talon Air:  
As a world-class private aviation personal partner, Talon Air provides industry-leading safety ratings, best-in-class pilots and services customized to clients' needs. Talon Air has over two decades of experience offering private jet charter and aircraft management solutions.  

With a diverse fleet that gives clients an aircraft selection to meet individual requirements, Talon Air specializes in midsize, super-midsize, heavy and ultra-long-range aircraft. 

Talon Air is part of Vista — the world’s first private aviation ecosystem, integrating a unique portfolio of companies offering asset-free solutions to cover all key aspects of business aviation.  

For more information about Talon Air, visit https://talonairjets.com/. 

About NAFA:  
The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members on the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  September 5, 2023                                    

Contact: Tracey Cheek  
tlc@nafa.aero  
405-285-7005 

Steve Hofmann 
President 
steve@thunderbirdairways.com 
713.649.1919 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Thunderbird Airways 
 

National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is pleased to announce that Thunderbird Airways has recently joined its network of aviation professionals. Thunderbird Airways is an experienced, on-demand private jet charter operator and aircraft management company. 

“NAFA members proudly finance, support or enable the financing of general and business aviation aircraft worldwide. We extend a warm welcome to Thunderbird Airways and support their services to further NAFA members in the aviation business,” said Ed Medici, NAFA President.  
  

About Thunderbird Airways: 

Thunderbird Airways provides on-demand charter flights anywhere in the continental U.S. Thunderbird also offers a full-service aircraft management program for corporate and personal aircraft, enabling aircraft owners’ peace of mind that their plane is cared for and maintains its airworthiness.   

With a legacy in the private aviation sector, Thunderbird Airways connects people and destinations by putting the personal well-being of their passengers and crew first. Over decades, Thunderbird has earned the trust of a lasting customer base that transcends industries.  
 

Thunderbird services include: 

• Charter operator
• Aircraft management 
• Aircraft sales and acquisitions   
   

Steve Hofmann, President of Thunderbird Airways and its parent company, E.N.G. Aviation, is an entrepreneur at heart. Steve's aim is to unite his passions for people, planes and technology to create a simpler, more seamless charter and aircraft ownership experience. His vision is to create an atmosphere of inspiration and comfort that makes the journey part of the destination.  

Before joining Thunderbird Airways, Steve spent almost a decade pursuing his passion for innovation in the technology sector and is proud to have served in the United States Marine Corps. Steve's life-long love of aviation extends into his personal life as well. He is a multi-engine and instrument-rated private pilot with plans to achieve his first type-rating in 2023.  

For more information, visit https://thunderbirdairways.com/. 

About NAFA:    

The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members on the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer.

Without people, airplanes don’t fly.  Owning, maintaining, and managing business aircraft is complex, and most focus on the physical assets, technology, and financing.  But the “human capital” – the people who fly, maintain, and service the aircraft – are just as important.  Listen as NAFA members and VanAllen Group CEO Jeff Agur and Managing Director Don Henderson discuss how bizav’s success depends on how well the people aboard the aircraft and on the ground are chosen, how they are trained, and how effectively they communicate with each other, in Human Capital Gains.

Listen to the podcast now

This podcast was originally published in Business Aviation Advisor on December 23, 2022.

NAFA member and President of Asset Insight, Tony Kioussis, interviews NAFA member and President of Priester Aviation Rich Ropp.

Rich Ropp discusses professional aircraft management, the services it includes and their potential value to the aircraft’s owner.

• Defining Professional Aircraft Management.
• The various services available through Professional Aircraft Management and their potential value to the owner.
• Does aircraft management make sense for any aircraft size?
• The kinds of Fees associated with Aircraft Management services.
• What are the questions a potential aircraft owner should ask any firm they are considering?
• Does a management company’s location relative to the operator’s home base matter?

Listen to Asset Insight's Podcast here

This Podcast was published by Asset Insight in AvBuyer on September 20, 2022.

Chuck Stumpf 
President of Sales & Acquisitions 
805-455-0006 
chuck@silverair.com 
www.silverair.com 

 James Maxwell 
Chief Financial Officer 
805-453-9097 
james@silverair.com 
www.silverair.com 

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Silver Air Private Jets  
  

National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is pleased to announce that Silver Air Private Jets has recently joined its professional network of aviation lenders. Silver Air Private Jets is a private aircraft management company and direct charter operator.  

“NAFA members proudly finance, support or enable the financing of general and business aviation aircraft throughout the world, and we are happy to add Silver Air Private Jets to our association,” said Jim Blessing, President of NAFA.  

About Silver Air Private Jets:  

Founded in 2008, Silver Air Private Jets is an innovative, industry-leading aircraft management company, charter operator and aircraft sales and acquisitions company. The company operates under a Full FAA Part 135 certificate with worldwide operations as a DOT Certificated Air Carrier. Based in Southern California with corporate offices in Santa Barbara, Silver Air manages a comprehensive fleet of luxury aircraft, including light to long-range heavy jets with a global network operating around the clock, twenty-four hours a day. 

 Silver Air Private Jets has created a new aviation management and jet charter industry model, working with owners as partners rather than clients. The company gives owners a transparent view of their aircraft operations and making management decisions based on the aircraft owners’ goals. Silver Air Private Jets manages a diverse fleet of aircraft, from light to long-range heavy jets. The company strives to create an ownership-like environment for charter guests and ensures every charter guest on every flight has a world-class experience. 

For more information, visit http://www.silverair.com/. 

About NAFA:  

The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for 50 years. Our network of members comprises lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members on the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the industry with the highest quality services. The company now has three offices: Geneva, New York City and Dubai.     

Nicholas Cooper
Co-Founder and Chief Commerical Officer
Nicholas.cooper@flyvolato.com
www.flyvolato.com

NAFA Welcomes New Member: Volato 

National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is pleased to announce that Volato has recently joined its professional network of aviation lenders. Volato is a fractional jet and aircraft management company.  

“NAFA members proudly support businesses designed to facilitate the aviation lending process, and we are happy to add Volato to our association,” said Jim Blessing, President of NAFA.  

About Volato:  

Volato is a full-service private aviation company with over 25 years of aircraft management experience. Volato provides a fresh approach to fractional ownership, aircraft management, jet card and charter programs.  

Volato’s fractional program uniquely offers flexible hours and a revenue share on every live mission for owners in a fleet of bespoke HondaJet Elite aircraft, which are optimized for missions of up to four passengers, and Gulfstream G280 aircraft, which are optimized for missions of up to ten passengers.  

Volato also offers the unique Stretch Jet Card, where members receive Stretch Credits according to their flexibility at booking and final itinerary. Stretch Credits accrue for flight time on Volato’s fleet of luxury private jets in the Stretch Jet Card Program. 

All Volato flights are operated by its DOT/FAA-authorized air carrier subsidiaries (GC Aviation, Inc., FlyDreams, LLC d/b/a Volato) or by an approved vendor air carrier.  

For more information, visit: https://www.flyvolato.com/. 

About NAFA:  

The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for 50 years. Our network of members comprises lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members on the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the industry with the highest quality services. The company now has three offices: Geneva, New York City and Dubai.  

Today’s aircraft market conditions bring to light the importance of insurance and accurate hull values. If you have not consulted with your insurance agents, underwriters, or legal teams about your coverages and exclusions, the current hull value assigned to your aircraft could be off by millions.

Driven by unprecedented demand and record-low inventories, asset values are rapidly changing in almost every aviation market segment. Industry reference guides are unable to keep up. While these fluctuating market conditions remain, we recommend you consult with your insurance professionals at least twice a year to review hull value and adjust as needed.  

NAFA member Ann Pollard, Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions for Duncan Aviation, recently sought expert advice from Michael McCray, Senior Vice President at Marsh JLT Specialty, to offer best practices about managing Agreed Hull Values policy adjustments in volatile market conditions.  

Read full article here

This article was originally published by Duncan Aviation in April 2022.

Looking for insights into the current and future challenges faced by the leading business jet OEM aftermarket support networks? AvBuyer’s Matt Harris asked NAFA member, Bombardier’s Chris Debergh for his perspectives on the sector.

There’s a lot more to business jet manufacturers than simply building and selling airplanes. A big part of their activities involves taking care of the ongoing needs of owners and operators long after the aircraft have flown away from the factory with their new owners.

That support ensures the aircraft remain in optimal condition, providing the functionality they were built to deliver; are modified to remain airworthy where necessary; can be upgraded when improved solutions become available to enhance the flying experience; and are expertly maintained long after the factory warranty expired.

All of this ensures operators of newer, and out-of production pre-owned jets, alike, can enjoy flying those aircraft with peace of mind.

For this reason, the leading aircraft manufacturers have extensive support networks, usually spread strategically around the planet, ensuring the necessary assistance reaches operators where it’s needed, when it’s needed.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by AvBuyer on February 14, 2022.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2022                                   

Contact: Tracey Cheek 
tlc@nafa.aero 
405-285-7005
 

MySky Joins National Aircraft Finance Association 

Edgewater, MD – National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is pleased to announce that MySky has recently joined its network of aviation professionals. MySky is an AI-powered spend management platform that brings transparency to business aviation while reducing costs and saving time. It allows clients to use the world’s largest verified costs database to calculate accurate flight costs and margins; build budgets for any aircraft to unveil the true cost of ownership; benchmark spending with independent verification; process, manage and recharge expenses quickly and efficiently; and manage tax reporting and compliance. 

“NAFA members proudly support the business side of aircraft ownership, and we welcome MySky to our association,” said Jim Blessing, president of NAFA. “Spend management and budgeting are paramount concerns to our members and an important aspect of owning aircraft. As NAFA celebrates our 50th anniversary, we look to these cutting-edge technologies from MySky to keep our members and our organization on the front lines of progress.” 

Jean de Looz, head of Americas at MySky said, “MySky’s goal is to help make private aircraft ownership and management more agile, efficient and transparent. Without more financial clarity, owners, operators and managers can easily find spend management a huge challenge. NAFA provides an important role in supporting organizations that educate and offer expert financial advice to the private aviation industry and we are proud to become a member.” 

Products & Services: 

• Spend management  

• Quote flight cost  

• Budget financial planning  

• Tax reporting solutions 

About MySky: 

MySky is the only AI-powered spend management platform designed specifically for the private aviation industry. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and founded in 2015, MySky is a global technology company bringing transparency to business aviation operations, while reducing costs and saving time.  

Fueled with the largest pricing database in the industry, and by digitizing and validating financial invoices and simplifying administrative processes, MySky’s technology enables private jet owners, brokers, operators and aircraft management companies to manage private jets more efficiently.  

Through MySky’s products Budget, Quote and Spend Management, operators can guarantee financial security to owners through efficient and transparent cost management and independent third-party verification. Owners, in turn, know that all costs have been verified and benchmarked and trust the operator’s procurement process. 

About NAFA: The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer. The company now has three offices: Geneva, New York City and Dubai. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2022                                   

Contact: Tracey Cheek 
tlc@nafa.aero 
405-285-7005 

Wheels Up Joins National Aircraft Finance Association 

Edgewater, MD – National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is pleased to announce that Wheels Up (NYSE:UP) has recently joined its network of aviation professionals. Wheels Up provides on-demand private aviation services to more than 12,000 members with a fleet of over 1,500 owned, leased, managed, and partner safety-vetted and verified aircraft. 

“NAFA is pleased to welcome Wheels Up to our association,” said Jim Blessing, president of NAFA. “As NAFA celebrates our 50th anniversary, we point to the many services our members offer to the public, including the work Wheels Up does in the private aviation vertical. We look forward to a long cooperative relationship.” 

About Wheels Up: 

Wheels Up is the leading provider of "on demand" private aviation in the United States and one of the largest private aviation companies in the world. Powered by a growing marketplace of more than 1,500 safety-vetted and verified aircraft, Wheels Up is the only company in the industry to offer a total private aviation solution that includes a relentless focus on safety and service, with flexibility across all types of aircraft, membership programs, corporate solutions, aircraft management, whole aircraft sales and commercial travel benefits through a strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines. 

The Wheels Up App enables members and customers to search, book and fly. Wheels Up Connect, Core, and Business memberships provide enhancements such as flight sharing, empty-leg Hot Flights, Shuttle Flights, Shared Flights, signature Wheels Up Down events and exclusive member benefits from preeminent lifestyle brands. Wheels Up's ongoing Wheels Up Cares program aligns with philanthropic organizations and initiatives that affect and matter to the company and its customers, members, stakeholders, families and friends. The Wheels Up Cares fleet comprises five custom-painted Beechcraft King Air 350i aircraft, with each plane serving as a flying symbol for a specific social cause. 

About NAFA: The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences, and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 21, 2021                                   

Contact: Tracey Cheek  
tlc@nafa.aero
405-285-7005 

Priester Aviation Joins National Aircraft Finance Association 

Edgewater, MD – National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is pleased to announce that Priester Aviation has recently joined its network of aviation professionals. Priester Aviation, one of the largest and most experienced private aviation companies, specializes in aircraft management, executive jet charter and private travel solutions. 

Priester offers unmatched capabilities and deep connections throughout the industry, serving as a trusted partner for clients, while delivering daily on its personal, relationship-based legacy forged over 75 years of business.  

“NAFA members proudly support general and business aviation aircraft throughout the world, and we’re happy to add Priester Aviation to our association,” said Jim Blessing, president of NAFA. “The use of private aviation has grown tremendously, and as NAFA celebrates our 50th anniversary, we point to the many services our members offer to the public, including services Priester Aviation provides to the private aviation vertical.” 

Headquartered in Chicago, Priester serves clients in the United States and globally from operating bases throughout the world. Its dedicated team offers clients expertise and personal attention through a range of services, including experience for on-demand and Centerline Jet Card charter customers, with full fleet capabilities to utilize the right-size aircraft for the mission.  

It offers multiple aircraft management programs structured to meet individual needs and tailored to maximize a client’s returns, handling crewing, logistics and accounting, while prioritizing and exceeding safety and maintenance requirements. For owners who are looking to reduce the cost of aircraft ownership, Priester facilitates FAA Part 135 worldwide charter certification to generate revenue. 

“Being part of the NAFA network opens up more avenues to serve our clients,” said Charlie Hughes, Priester’s senior vice president of management sales. “Our aviation partners can be assured that there is a solid level of trust when they look for assistance handling all the details of aircraft ownership, including financial decisions and fleet planning. It adds to capabilities we’ve been known for decades.” 

 About Priester Aviation: 

Priester Aviation is among the world’s most experienced global private aviation companies, specializing in aircraft management and private travel solutions.  With over 75 years of experience, Priester Aviation is among the elite private aircraft management companies that hold the highest safety accreditations including the ARGUS Platinum rating, Wyvern approval, IS-BAO Stage III and Air Charter Safety Foundation certifications.   

About NAFA: The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members on the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences, and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2022                                  

Contact: Tracey Cheek
tlc@nafa.aero
405-285-7005

AdviseAir Joins National Aircraft Finance Association
 

Edgewater, MD: National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is pleased to announce that Tenafly, NJ -based AdviseAir has recently joined its professional network of aviation professionals under the leadership of Patti Ann Sullivan (founder and aviation financial advisor).

AdviseAir navigates the highly regulated and complex private jet industry on behalf of its clients, offering insightful analysis and fiscal oversight of whole aircraft ownership and various private travel solutions. AdviseAir designs a tailored Fiscal Flight Plan® to help private jet flyers and aircraft owners make informed financial decisions around their aviation asset acquisition and throughout the ownership lifecycle. 

With 30+ years in the private aviation industry, AdviseAir has comprehensive knowledge and experience with the issues, service providers, and programs aircraft owners face.  As the client representative, AdviseAir liaises with the vast array of aviation service providers delivering an unbiased approach to its clients' aviation asset cost of ownership management. 

"NAFA members form a network of aviation finance services who diligently and competently operate with integrity and objectivity throughout the world. We're excited to welcome AdviseAir to our growing organization as we celebrate our 50th anniversary," said Jim Blessing, president of NAFA.

Services:

Capital planning

·    Feasibility study

·    Travel needs analysis

·    Budget design

·    Service provider RFP and negotiations (aircraft management, fractional share, membership and JetCard programs)

​

Financial management​

• Monthly audit of aircraft management operator statement
• Charter revenue management
• Fractional share and membership program financial management
• Aircraft use policy oversight and accounting
• Partnership accounting

About Patti Ann Sullivan:

Patti Ann Sullivan, founder of AdviseAir, approaches each client relationship knowing that every individual's situation is unique and requires a distinct approach. She draws upon 30+ years of private aviation experience rendering aircraft management and capital solutions for clients that range from high and ultra-high net worth individuals as well as mid-market to investment grade corporations. Patti Ann has managed over $5.5 billion in aviation assets throughout her career.  She has worked with the National Aircraft Resale Association as an associate Member Board (now IADA), Board member of Massachusetts Business Aviation Association (MBAA) and Advisor to Corporate Angel Network (CAN). Patti holds a BA in Business with a minor in Finance from Boston University and is completing an MMBA in Aviation and Aerospace Management at Embry Riddle.  She currently resides in the metropolitan NYC area.
 

About NAFA: The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) is a professional association that has been promoting the general welfare of aircraft finance for 50 years. Our network of members is comprised of lenders and product service providers who work together to finance general and business aviation aircraft. NAFA sets the standard for best practices in aviation finance by educating its members with the most up-to-date industry trends and best practices. Government legislation, market influences, and industry insights allow member companies to provide the highest quality services the industry has to offer.

After NAFA member Rolls-Royce established its latest CorporateCare Enhanced program within the Business Aviation community, NAFA member, Asset Insight's Tony Kioussis examines the value of Rolls-Royce’s expanded coverage.

During the 2018 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) annual NBAA-BACE conference, Rolls-Royce introduced CorporateCare Enhanced, the company’s expansion of its highly-regarded, and widely-accepted, CorporateCare Long Term Service Agreement (LTSA) or Hourly Cost Maintenance Program (HCMP).

By expanding engine coverage to all maintenance and troubleshooting on the engine cowls, Thrust Reverser Units (TRUs), and engine build-up on the BR710, BR725 and the brand-new Pearl 15 engines, CorporateCare Enhanced^® has enrolled over 1,400 engines as of this writing.

Now that the program has matured, this seemed like a good time to examine what additional value the coverage provides to new, as well as existing CorporateCare users who upgrade to CorporateCare Enhanced.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by AvBuyer on October 12, 2021.

NAFA member, David G. Mayer, Partner at Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP, shares some insights and guidance on aircraft management.

Many first-time and experienced aircraft buyers have entered the market to purchase a private jet and travel far away from commercial airports. But the aircraft they plan to fly may be no more than an expensive paperweight until the right management organization helps the owners get their aircraft safely off the ground.

Since Covid-19 disrupted air travel in 2020, the demand of first-time and repeat aircraft purchasers of whole and fractional aircraft has climbed sharply and reduced the available inventory of aircraft to historical lows. At the same time, Part 135 operators have experienced a burst in demand for chartering, creating significant pressure to provide services to customers beyond the operator's normal capacity. The stress makes the careful selection of a management company more important than ever before.

Read full article here

This article was originally published by AINonline on November 12, 2021.

Demand for flying by private jet increased significantly in the final quarter of 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and travelers looking for a more private way to travel. New entrants to the industry grew the customer base for both private jet membership and charter providers.

These newcomers have three main private travel options to choose from, but which is best?

The answer depends on these key factors:

• Availability
• Budget
• Customer service

Read full article here.

This article was originally published by Clay Lacy Aviation on July 28, 2021.