“We are thrilled to have Kompass Kapital join the Airshare ownership group and strongly believe its investment will have a material impact on our future,” said John Owen, CEO, Airshare.

“Kompass’ reputation is impeccable, and their track record in helping businesses flourish is well known. Additionally, they have already demonstrated great success in partnering with our legacy ownership group through other investments.”

Airshare has grown significantly in recent months. After acquiring Wheels Up aircraft management business last year, the company nearly doubled in size and now operates almost 150 aircraft. The aviation company’s current fleet comprises of 14 Phenom 300s and seven Challenger 3500s. 

Airshare offers a variety of private aviation services, including aircraft management, charter flights, and fractional ownership programs.

“We are very excited to partner with Airshare, where we join a talented team dedicated to serving the private aviation needs of business and leisure customers both domestically and internationally,” said Bradley Berger, managing partner, Kompass Kapital.

Jefferies acted as exclusive financial advisor to Airshare. Lathrop GPM served as legal counsel to Airshare, and Spencer Fane served as legal counsel to Kompass Kapital.

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As well as its fleet of 24  fractional aircraft, Airshare already managed 34 jets.

“The Wheels Up business is the perfect fit for us, it has a very similar structure to ours and we are keen to add great people to our team,” John Owen, CEO, Airshare told Corporate Jet Investor. “We will mesh together the two management teams and have already spoken to as many owners as possible about moving over.”

Airshare is funding the purchase with its own cashflow. Wheels Up was focused on Part 135 aircraft that were available for charter. But Owen says this is different at Airshare. “We are as happy to have [privately operated] Part 91 aircraft as we are P135.”

Owen says that although Airshare’s fractional owners often use Airshare managed aircraft for charter when they want larger aircraft, the fractional business rarely goes outside its own fleet.

Wheels Up built the fleet by acquiring Travel Management Company or TMC Jets in June 2019; Delta Private Jets in 2020; Gama Signature Aviation in 2020; Mountain Aviation in 2021; and Atlante Air Charter in 2022. The company had been trying to merge all of these operators on to one Air Operator’s Certificate.

Airshare is privately owned. It was founded in 2000 in Kansas. It started as a fractional operator and offers shares and jet cards on both Embraer Phenom 300 and Challenger 3500 aircraft. It launched aircraft management and charter in 2008.

“This acquisition also spreads our national Prescence allowing us to grow the business further,” says Owen. “But we are not going to grow to fast. We want to grow intelligently”

The sale was arranged by Jefferies working for Wheels Up. Foulston Siefkin was legal counsel to Airshare. Kirkland & Ellis represented Wheels Up.

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Through the agreement, Kansas City-based Airshare plans to double the size of its Challenger fleet to support demand for its fractional programme. The firm entered the super-midsize segment with its first order for 20 Challengers in May 2021.

“The response we have received to the Challenger entering our fractional program has been tremendous, from both new and existing customers,” said John Owen, president and CEO of Airshare. “We are thrilled to extend our commitment with Bombardier and look forward to adding several more Challenger 3500s to our fleet. The strength of our partnership made it easy for us to accelerate our plans to order more of these aircraft to meet customer demand.”

The Challenger 3500 aircraft is the first business jet in the super mid-size segment to have an Environmental Product Declaration published, documenting the aircraft’s environmental footprint over its lifecycle.

Eric Martel, president and CEO, Bombardier said: “The entire team is immensely proud that Airshare continues to trust Bombardier to grow its fleet. Airshare and Bombardier share several values in common: we strive for excellence and work tirelessly to offer an exceptional experience to our clients. With this new order, our valued relationship continues to grow stronger, as the award-winning Challenger 3500 aircraft keeps elevating Airshare’s flight experience with its ultimate combination of performance and comfort.”

Airshare’s fractional programme gives each owner a 1/16th share with 20 days and unlimited flight time. The firm also offers its own jet card program, Embark, as well as aircraft management, on-demand charter and maintenance services.

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Viasat will install its Ka-band in-flight connectivity (IFC) system on Airshare’s new Bombardier Challenger 350 deliveries and future Challenger 3500 deliveries that will begin next year. Airshare said it chose Visat to allow high-speed connectivity for its fractional owners during all phases of flight including taxi, takeoff and landing, even in dense geographical areas with heavy aviation traffic.

“Choosing Viasat for our new deliveries was an important step as Airshare enters our next phase of growth,” said John Owen, president and CEO, Airshare. “Excellent connectivity is no longer simply a nice-to-have amenity while in flight.”

Airshare said it is expanding its fractional offering beyond its core markets in central US with plans to begin serving customers on the East Coast “in the near future”.

“With Airshare’s sharp focus on customer service and an exceptional in-flight experience, we look forward to supporting the new fleet’s connectivity requirements now and into the future,” said Claudio D’Amico, business area director, Business Aviation, Viasat.

In June, following its FAA approval for Dassault 7X and 8X, Viasat stockholders approved a $7.3bn deal to acquire Inmarsat. The deal is expected to close in the second half of this year subject to regulatory approvals.

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Airshare’s new logo combines a contemporary wordmark with an iconic stylised aircraft. The colour palette features a similar rich blue from the original mark, complemented by old gold as a secondary colour, representing luxury and elegance. The plane’s eagle wings honour the heritage of the company’s previous logo, which incorporated an eagle’s beak within the centre of the mark. The negative space in the slits between wing feathers symbolises the core attributes of the brand – strength, vision and trust. The aircraft ascends in front of a gold-coloured ring, evoking Airshare’s unique days-based programme, which gives shareowners the entire day’s use of their plane instead of the limiting hours provided by competitive services. Airshare flies its customers any time, day or night.

“While we are extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished throughout our history, we felt strongly we needed new branding to emphasise the incredible growth opportunity ahead of us,” Airshare President and CEO John Owen says. “Our new name and logo essentially reflect a new mind-set for the company. We are going to be more vigorous in promoting Airshare as the ideal private aviation programme for businesses, as well as leisure customers.”

“The name change is a natural transition for the brand, but also a means for changing perceptions of the company among current and future customers,” Chief Marketing Officer Andy Tretiak says. “We have a great story to tell through our days-based model and unparalleled customer experience. Our visual identity needed to be more effective in supporting our value proposition and increasing awareness of our brand.”

Prospective customers can learn more about Airshare’s fractional programme and fleet at FlyAirshare.com, the company’s new website. Users can research costs by using the site’s interactive estimator, which factors in round-trip flights, average flight times and the company’s flexible interchange program. Shareowners can also create more efficiency by selecting the right-size aircraft, either the Embraer Phenom 100 or Phenom 300. Both aircraft offer the same level of comfort and style.

For the first time, Airshare has one brand to encompass all of its services, bringing its charter, management and maintenance departments under the same roof as its fractional operations. Airshare recently received a Platinum rating, the highest offered, from ARGUS International after a thorough safety audit of its charter operations. The International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) also renewed its Stage 2 certification, verifying Airshare’s high management standards and practices.

“Airshare has made incredible strides in recent months,” says Owen. “We’ve answered the demand for greater travel options in the Rocky Mountain region by expanding service to Denver. We’ve taken delivery of a new, technologically advanced Embraer Phenom 300E, becoming the nation’s first fractional provider to add this next-generation light jet to its fleet. The new branding continues the momentum our company is currently experiencing and positions us very well for the future.”

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“This milestone underscores our longstanding relationship with Embraer and its industry-leading innovations in design, performance, reliability and comfort,” says Owen. “Our shareowners see the addition of the Phenom 300E to the Executive AirShare fleet as a reflection of our ongoing dedication to delivering an unparalleled experience.”

The Phenom 300E – the “E” stands for enhanced – is an evolution of the light business jet that has become the category best-seller for six years in a row, commanding more than 50 percent market share. Since the Phenom 300 entered service in late 2009, it has stood apart as the most delivered business jet. An independent analysis by AvBuyer magazine found the Phenom 300 to have the highest productivity index among light jets. The Phenom 300 also delivers fleet operators’ highest reliability rate: 99.5 percent.

“We are honoured to deliver the new Phenom 300E to Executive AirShare, whose pioneering role with the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 in the fractional program market has set new standards in customer experience and fleet availability in this segment of the market,” said Michael Amalfitano, President and CEO, Embraer Executive Jets. “The new Phenom 300E will deliver true value to Executive AirShare and its shareowners.”

The Phenom 300E follows Embraer’s DNA Design philosophy, a holistic approach to cabin ergonomics, craftsmanship and design. Prioritizing human factors led to multiple cabin innovations. Intelligent-design seating features broader backs for greater support, expandable headrests with bolsters, and extendable leg rests. A divan, large galley and private lavatory at the back of the cabin add to its creature comforts.

Expanded aisle clearance and increased cabin space enhance passenger mobility. An all-new centreline upper tech panel offers inflight information, entertainment and lighting that broadens the ambient mood options. Sleek, silent gaspers enhance acoustic comfort. Largest-in-class windows flood the cabin with ambient light. Bluetooth connectivity to the inflight entertainment system helps travel hours fly by. The category’s largest baggage compartment facilitates travel to different climates and trips that combine both business and pleasure.

Best-in-class performance enables the Phenom 300E to take off from challenging airports at high elevations and hot temperatures. Excellent fuel consumption and redefined aerodynamic design result in operating costs below its peers. It can reach a maximum cruise altitude of 45,000, a range of 1,986 nautical miles, and a maximum cruise speed of 485 mph. It transports nine passengers and two pilots.

“The new Phenom 300E interior reflects the Embraer DNA design, with new seats that were designed, engineered and built by Embraer,” said Jay Beever, Vice President, Interior Design, Embraer Executive Jets. “The industry-first centerline Upper Tech Panel, with touch-sensitive environmental controls, allows passengers to be served by technology — and not the other way around.”

The Embraer-Executive AirShare partnership has continued to grow over the years, which delivers benefits to both shareowners and pilots. Embraer designed the Phenom 100 and Phenom 300 to essentially function in high-utilisation environments. Executive AirShare operates an Embraer-authorised maintenance and service centre in Wichita, Kan., and maintains its fleet at all of its bases.

Executive AirShare is planning a city-to-city roadshow the week of September 10 to showcase the aircraft to existing customers. The company plans to visit its bases in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and Kansas City.

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Prior to launching Brand Propulsion, Tretiak was chief marketing officer for Sporting Kansas City and FanThreeSixty. He led the rebrand from the Kansas City Wizards to Sporting Kansas City in 2010, helping the club transform into one of the model organisations within Major League Soccer. For the following six seasons (2011-2016), Tretiak led the marketing, branding and advertising efforts for the club, while also playing an instrumental role in the development of the award-winning fan experience at Children’s Mercy Park. During this period, the popularity of the club skyrocketed, resulting in record growth in all key performance metrics, including revenue, ticketing, attendance, corporate partnerships, retail sales and brand awareness. Named MLS Marketing Executive of the Year in 2012, Tretiak was also responsible for managing strategic partnerships with adidas, AEG and Boulevard Brewing Company.

“We have been working with Andy over the last several months as he consulted the business on a long-term strategic marketing plan,” says John Owen, Executive AirShare president and CEO. “The fit always felt natural so it made a lot of sense to bring him on as a permanent addition to the team. We look forward to leveraging Andy’s deep expertise in helping us seize the tremendous opportunity we see before us.”

Executive AirShare had been a Brand Propulsion client for 10 months prior to Tretiak accepting the full-time position. He served as their outsourced chief marketing officer, overseeing marketing and communications efforts for the company, in addition to collaborating with the executive team on several initiatives designed to accelerate future growth.

“While consulting for Executive AirShare, I quickly realized the immense potential this company has to become a dominant player in the private aviation services industry,” said Tretiak. “We already have an amazing group of people in place that deliver a best-in-class customer experience. There is a very compelling story to tell here, which is a marketer’s dream. I look forward to driving increased awareness of the brand, and further positioning us as the premier air travel solution for current and future customers.”

EAS currently serves business and leisure customers in Kansas City, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Wichita. In June, it expanded into the Rocky Mountains, with a new base in Denver. In July, after an intense internal review, the company announced several promotions and new positions. They are designed to support Executive AirShare’s anticipated growth by advancing operational oversight and providing maximum scalability.

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“Bringing our private aviation solutions to Denver is a natural decision for us,” says John Owen, Executive AirShare president and CEO. “The Denver market is one of the most desirable destinations in the country and has long been a part of our vision for growth. It was the perfect time to make the move. Everyone who flies with us will benefit from the efficiencies and lower costs associated with the opening of our new Denver base.”

Executive AirShare is one of the nation’s largest fractional aircraft companies. The EAS fleet will be based at XJet Denver at Centennial Airport. It will feature the Embraer Phenom 100 and Phenom 300, the company’s most popular aircraft. Additionally, the new base will be supported by EAS’s industry-leading crewmembers and customer service specialists. EAS currently serves Central U.S. business and leisure customers in Kansas City, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Wichita.

Denver expands the Executive AirShare service footprint within the Central United States. Prior to this announcement, the closest operations base to Colorado residents was located in Wichita, Kansas. Private jet travel solutions in the Denver area – from whole aircraft ownership to charter – are enjoying increased demand. Executive AirShare offers customers the benefits of efficient, reliable new or nearly new aircraft available through the industry’s only day-based program. This delivers customers full access to aircraft when they need it, but they don’t pay when they’re not using it.

“We’ve experienced firsthand the unparalleled level of service Executive AirShare provides,” says Robert Cohen, the Denver-based chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group. “Since we started together in Kansas nearly 15 years ago, Executive AirShare’s staff and crew have been outstanding partners in handling our travel needs. This welcomed expansion gives other Coloradans an opportunity to discover the advantages EAS gives businesses.”

To support the expansion into Denver, Executive AirShare also announces the addition of Lee Richards, a seasoned sales professional with more than 12 years of experience in the fractional aircraft industry. Richards will serve in the position of sales director, working directly with future customers in the region. He will have offices at XJet Denver. Prior to joining EAS, Richards sold fractional aircraft for Flexjet and Flight Options, while most recently serving as vice president of sales for VistaJet.

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“We are extremely excited to announce this partnership with Executive AirShare,” Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. “This partnership offers us unique opportunities and advantages that are necessary in an industry that requires timeliness and efficiency. After establishing a relationship with the Kansas City-based company throughout the years, we are thrilled to build upon that as it will benefit not only the Kansas City Chiefs but also Executive AirShare.”

Headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, Executive AirShare is one of the nation’s largest fractional aircraft providers with operational centers throughout the Central United States and the Great Lakes regions. It provides day based fractional aircraft ownership programs for companies and individuals for private flying, in addition to offering aircraft management and charter services.

“Partnering with the Chiefs long-term was a natural fit for our business,” Executive AirShare President and CEO John Owen said. “Both organizations believe enhanced productivity is a key to achieving success, which is why strengthening our existing relationship was so attractive. As passionate fans of our hometown team, we are proud to help the Chiefs continue their winning tradition, and look forward to collaborating with them on activation that will greatly benefit Executive AirShare as well.”

As part of the partnership, Executive AirShare will focus on team and community-driven events. They will be the presenting partner of the Chiefs Draft Fest VIP event, a Silver Sponsor of the 101 Awards and an Associate Partner of the Chiefs Fantasy Camp. Executive AirShare will provide a select number of round trip flights for individuals and groups attending the sponsored events.

Additionally, the collaborative effort between the two organizations offers a unique advantage for the Chiefs Coaching and Personnel Departments towards their scouting efforts and draft preparation. Through the partnership, Executive AirShare will offer a number of round-trip flights for the Chiefs to use during each covered season. The ability to have the option to travel within a short-period of notice puts the Chiefs at an advantage in an industry that requires frequent travel.

“Having worked with Executive AirShare personally in the past, I know that their customer service and hospitality are second to none,” Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid said. “To have the opportunity to jump on a plane and scout a number of future draft prospects or attend key league events without having to worry about travel and time constraints is a huge advantage for our football operations staff and team.”

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“We’re confident in John’s leadership during a critical point in the growth of our business,” says Wiley Curran, president and chairman of Curran Companies and management board member of Executive AirShare. “We believe his passion, experience and extraordinary communication skills are exactly what are needed to guide our company and our talented group of professionals, who are dedicated to delivering the exceptional customer service that is synonymous with our brand.”

Owen joined Executive AirShare, one of the nation’s largest fractional aircraft ownership providers, as its CFO in 2016. He previously served as vice president for national search firm EFL Associates and as CFO for OrTran, a supply-chain management company. Owen’s background includes working as principal for Capitus Group, a Leawood, Kansas-based consulting firm, where he provided CFO advisory services and developed detailed financial packages, business valuations and analyses for clients.

He originally fine-tuned his consultative skills and financial acumen working in progressively higher roles at State Street, Accenture and KPMG. Owen received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

“I’m honored by this opportunity,” says Owen. “I am indebted to the board and its confidence entrusted in this decision, and greatly appreciate the support of a talented executive team.

“Executive AirShare will continue to challenge the status quo of the industry to deliver the best aviation solutions to our clients. Whether through fractional or leasing options, we know our customers achieve greater financial gain and experience enhanced productivity by flying with Executive AirShare. Our entire team is privileged to fly them across the country, then back home to what matters most.”

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