Priester Aviation enters third generation of ownership

Priester Aviation is continuing the history of family-led leadership by announcing that Andy Priester, president and CEO, will become its chairman, taking over from Charlie Priester, who remains with the company as chairman emeritus.

In taking up the mantle, Andy will be third generation to steward the company his grandfather, George founded in 1945. Charlie had led the on-demand charter, management and aviation consulting company since the 1980s.

Andy said: “For more than 75 years, the Priester name has meant so much to aviation and the people with whom we’ve built strong relationships and served. So much of that credit goes to Charlie, who took the company to new heights over the past 40 years. His vision and connections within the industry and to people have been invaluable to our success.

Under new leadership, the firm plans to continue “growing the company organically and strategically acquire culturally aligned private jet operators”.

Andy became president and CEO in 2013 and is a graduate of the University of Dayton and Concordia University. Under his tenure at Priester Aviation, the company’s fleet has grown from seven aircraft to nearly 70 today.