Elite Jets and Maxair will add 16 Part 135 charter aircraft and 11 Phenom 300s to the George J. Priester Aviation fleet.
George J. Priester Aviation has added Elite Jets and Maxair to its family of companies.
They join Mayo Aviation, Hill Private, Omni International, and Priester Aviation.
Elite Jets is based in Naples, Florida.
Maxair is based in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Chairman Andy Priester says, “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.”
Priester continues, “Maxair and Elite Jets are experts in owned aircraft charter; Priester, Mayo, Hill, and Omni specialize in aircraft management and ad-hoc charter.”
He said, “Bringing these capabilities together creates new opportunities to serve clients more comprehensively while expanding opportunities for team members over time.”
Both transactions closed last week.
Specifics of the agreements were not detailed.
A spokesperson says, “George J. Priester Aviation is invested at different levels in each family member.”
She adds, With that, we’ve been able to bring together this group of outstanding, like-minded companies that are equally focused on safety, relationships, and service.”
Priester Aviation rebranded in February 2024 under the George J. Priester Aviation umbrella.
That followed deals with Atlanta-based Hill Private Aviation in July 2023 and Denver-based Mayo Aviation in August 2023.
Last October, Omni Air Transport came under the George J. Priester banner, although a Sunrise Jets deal fell through.
Priester told attendees at CJI London in 2025 that his M&A goal was to leverage the unique cultures and local roots of companies that had long histories of family ownership.
Per the announcement:
‘The companies will all share operational expertise and regional relationships with the group’s resources and infrastructure, strengthening service capabilities for aircraft owners and charter customers across the country.’
– George J. Priester Aviation
Priester added, “We’re honored to bring all of these incredible people and rich histories together.”
He said, “The strengths of the six companies make us all better, while retaining the unique qualities and connections that have served our regions so well.”
Preiester believes, “This approach allows great aviation companies to focus on doing what they do best in their communities.”
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Maxair and Elite Jets bring 17 aircraft to Chicago-based George J. Priester, with “nearly all available for charter.”
Per the most recent FAA Part 135 charter jet list, Maxair has 13 aircraft on its D-085.
That includes seven Phenom 300s.
Elite Jets’ eight charter jets include four Phenom 300s.
Priester said, “Like the other members of the group, both Maxair and Elite Jets will continue to be regionally focused, retaining the historic names clients have trusted for years.”
The alignment allows aircraft owners and travelers greater access to a larger network of aircraft, experienced flight crews, operational expertise, and enhanced charter opportunities in markets across the United States.
George J. Priester Aviation partnered with Invision Capital to facilitate the company agreements.
The Invision website says its deal profile typically targets companies with revenues under $300 million, transaction values between $25 and $100 million, and cash flow-positive deals with “significant growth potential.”
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