Business Aviation
Atlantic Aviation Expands to Montana with Glacier Jet Center Acquisition
Atlantic Aviation acquires Glacier Jet Center, expanding its FBO network to Montana amid strong growth in business and recreational aviation.

Atlantic Aviation’s Strategic Expansion into Montana: The Glacier Jet Center Acquisition and FBO Market Dynamics
Atlantic Aviation’s recent acquisition of Glacier Jet Center at Montana’s Glacier Park International Airport marks a significant milestone for the company and the broader fixed-base operator (FBO) industry. As the company’s 106th FBO location and its first in Montana, this move underscores both Atlantic Aviation’s commitment to expanding its national footprint and the increasing importance of regional aviation hubs. The transaction, completed in September 2025, exemplifies ongoing consolidation within the FBO sector and highlights the strategic value of serving high-growth recreational and business aviation markets in the Mountain West.
The acquisition comes at a time when Glacier Park International Airport is experiencing robust growth, with over 10% traffic increases in 2025 and a rising profile as a gateway to Glacier National Park and other premier destinations. By integrating the nearly 50-year-old Glacier Jet Center operation, Atlantic Aviation not only gains access to an established customer base but also strengthens its service network in a region experiencing surging demand for private and business aviation services.
This article examines the historical context of Atlantic Aviation’s growth, the strategic implications of its Montana entry, and the evolving dynamics of the FBO industry. Drawing on industry data and expert perspectives, we explore how this acquisition positions Atlantic Aviation for future opportunities while reflecting broader trends shaping the business aviation landscape.
Historical Context and Atlantic Aviation’s Growth Trajectory
Atlantic Aviation traces its roots back to 1927, evolving from a modest regional operator into one of North America’s largest FBO networks. The company’s expansion accelerated under the leadership of Lou Pepper, who grew the organization from just 16 FBOs to over 100 locations across the United States and Caribbean. This growth was further catalyzed in 2021 when private equity firm KKR acquired Atlantic Aviation from Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation for $4.475 billion, a deal reflecting the increasing value placed on aviation infrastructure by institutional investors.
The KKR acquisition marked a new era for Atlantic Aviation, providing the capital and strategic direction necessary for further expansion. In 2022, the company completed a merger with Ross Aviation, adding 19 FBOs and significantly broadening its geographic reach. The leadership transition to Jeff Foland as CEO in 2023 brought fresh perspective and experience from the broader transportation and travel sectors, with a focus on innovation in safety, technology, and customer service.
Atlantic Aviation’s “local everywhere” philosophy has become a key differentiator, aiming to combine the scale and resources of a national operator with the personalized service and local expertise of independent providers. This approach has proven effective in diverse markets, including Montana, where local traditions and high expectations for service require a nuanced approach to FBO operations.
The Glacier Jet Center Acquisition: Strategic Rationale
The purchase of Glacier Jet Center represents Atlantic Aviation’s first foray into Montana, addressing a long-standing gap in its western U.S. network. Glacier Jet Center, with its nearly five decades of service at Glacier Park International Airport, brought with it a loyal customer base, experienced staff, and substantial infrastructure, including heated hangars capable of accommodating large business jets.
The timing of the acquisition aligns with a period of rapid growth at Glacier Park International Airport, which has seen traffic increases of over 10% in early 2025. This growth is fueled by both the rising population in the Flathead Valley and strong tourism demand for northwest Montana’s outdoor attractions. The airport’s proximity to Glacier National Park, Whitefish Mountain Resort, and other destinations ensures steady demand from high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients, key demographics for Atlantic Aviation’s premium services.
The integration of Glacier Jet Center into Atlantic Aviation’s network began immediately, with rebranding efforts and the extension of Atlantic’s loyalty programs to flight crews. The facility’s fuel farm, hangar space, and support infrastructure align with Atlantic’s service standards, ensuring operational continuity and enhanced offerings for both existing and new customers.
“This acquisition provides Atlantic Aviation with a critical foothold in the Mountain West, serving a region with some of the highest growth in private and business aviation demand in the country.”
Glacier Park International Airports: Regional Significance
Glacier Park International Airport (GPI) has evolved from a rural landing strip into a modern facility serving both commercial and general aviation. Its strategic location in the Flathead Valley, close to major recreational destinations, makes it a crucial hub for both business travelers and tourists.
The airport features a 9,000-foot primary runway capable of handling large business jets, as well as a comprehensive modernization program that will expand the terminal to approximately 200,000 square feet by 2026. GPI’s operational mix is diverse, with 57% general aviation, 27% airline, 13% air taxi, and 3% military operations, reflecting its importance to multiple aviation sectors.
GPI’s impact extends beyond transportation, generating significant economic activity for the region. According to Montana Department of Transportation data, the airport contributes over $228 million annually to the local economy. Its facilities support a range of activities, from emergency medical flights and wildfire response to international arrivals, thanks to on-site U.S. Customs and Border Protection services.
FBO Industry Dynamics: Growth, Consolidation, and Competition
The FBO sector is experiencing robust growth, driven by rising demand for private and business aviation. In 2024, the global FBO market was valued at $27.5 billion and is projected to reach $42.7 billion by 2033. North America remains the largest regional market, expected to grow from $10 billion in 2024 to $13.34 billion by 2032. This growth is supported by the expansion of private and business jet fleets, with North America projected to have over 22,000 business jets by 2025.
Industry consolidation is accelerating, with major players like Atlantic Aviation, Signature Aviation, and others expanding through mergers and acquisitions. Atlantic’s merger with Ross Aviation and Signature’s acquisition of TAC Air’s FBOs exemplify this trend. Private equity investment has played a significant role, with KKR’s acquisition of Atlantic Aviation and Blackstone’s involvement in Signature Aviation reflecting the sector’s appeal as a stable infrastructure investment.
Competition in the FBO market is increasingly centered on service quality, geographic coverage, and operational excellence. Operators differentiate themselves through facility upgrades, technology adoption, and specialized offerings such as international customs handling and aircraft maintenance. The “local everywhere” approach adopted by Atlantic Aviation is one strategy to balance national scale with local relevance.
“The FBO market’s growth is underpinned by both increasing business jet activity and evolving customer expectations for seamless, technology-enabled service.”
Financial Performance and Market Valuation
Atlantic Aviation’s financial performance reflects the stability and growth potential of the FBO industry. Revenue estimates vary, but the company’s scale, over 100 locations and approximately 2,100 employees, demonstrates its operational reach. The business model is characterized by diversified revenue streams, including fuel sales, hangar rentals, and ground services, providing resilience against economic fluctuations.
The financial attractiveness of FBOs is further illustrated by the high valuations seen in recent transactions. KKR’s 2021 acquisition of Atlantic Aviation at a $4.475 billion enterprise value, and reports of a potential $10 billion valuation in 2025, underscore strong investor confidence. These valuations are supported by the sector’s defensive characteristics and the essential role FBOs play in the aviation ecosystem.
The sector has also demonstrated resilience during periods of economic uncertainty, with private aviation activity rebounding faster than commercial airlines post-pandemic. This has reinforced the perception of FBOs as stable, infrastructure-like assets with attractive risk-adjusted returns.
Future Growth Opportunities and Strategic Direction
Atlantic Aviation’s future growth strategy centers on continued geographic expansion, technology integration, and sustainability. The company is investing in digital platforms and customer relationship management systems to enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency. These investments are critical as the next generation of business aviation customers expects seamless, digitally enabled service.
Sustainability is becoming a key differentiator, with Atlantic Aviation and other leading FBOs investing in sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure, renewable energy, and carbon reduction initiatives. These efforts align with growing regulatory requirements and customer preferences for environmentally responsible service providers.
Looking further ahead, the rise of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft presents new opportunities for FBOs with suitable real estate and operational expertise. Atlantic Aviation’s partnerships in this area signal its intent to participate in the emerging urban air mobility market, leveraging its existing infrastructure and customer relationships.
“Technology, sustainability, and service innovation are shaping the next chapter for FBOs. Operators that invest in these areas will be best positioned for long-term success.”
Conclusion
Atlantic Aviation’s acquisition of Glacier Jet Center is a strategic move that strengthens its network and positions it to serve one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the Mountain West. By integrating a well-established local FBO with nearly 50 years of history, Atlantic Aviation gains immediate access to a high-value customer base and a region experiencing strong growth in both business and recreational aviation.
This transaction reflects broader trends in the FBO industry, including consolidation, increased private equity investment, and the need for operators to balance national scale with local expertise. As Atlantic Aviation continues to expand, invest in technology, and pursue sustainability initiatives, it is well-positioned to capitalize on the evolving needs of the business aviation sector and maintain its leadership in a dynamic and competitive market.
FAQ
What is an FBO?
An FBO, or Fixed Base Operator, is a company that provides a range of aviation services at airports, including fueling, hangar storage, ground handling, and passenger amenities for private and business aircraft.
Why did Atlantic Aviation acquire Glacier Jet Center?
The acquisition expands Atlantic Aviation’s network into Montana, serving a growing market and providing access to key recreational and business destinations in the region.
How does Atlantic Aviation differentiate itself from other FBOs?
Atlantic Aviation emphasizes a “local everywhere” philosophy, combining national scale with local expertise and personalized service at each location.
What role does Glacier Park International Airport play in the region?
As a gateway to Glacier National Park and other destinations, the airport supports both commercial and general aviation, contributing significantly to regional economic activity.
What are the future trends in the FBO industry?
Key trends include continued consolidation, increased investment in technology and sustainability, and preparation for new aircraft types such as eVTOLs.
Sources
Photo Credit: Atlantic Aviation
Business Aviation
SyberJet SJ36 Secures 50 Letters of Intent at NBAA 2026
SyberJet Aircraft received 50+ LOIs for its SJ36 light jet after debuting a full-scale mockup at Henderson Executive Airport.

SyberJet Aircraft has secured non-binding letters of intent for more than 50 of its in-development SJ36 light jets following the unveiling of a full-scale mockup at Henderson Executive Airport (HND) in Las Vegas. The manufacturer is positioning the new aircraft to disrupt the business aviation market by promising midsize-jet performance metrics alongside light-jet operating economics.
Announced in an October 21, 2026, press release, the commitments follow a dedicated “SyberJet World” event held on October 19 ahead of the 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). The event marked the first public display of the SJ36 cabin and airframe concept, allowing prospective buyers to evaluate the physical dimensions and interior technologies of the proposed aircraft.
Performance targets and cabin technology
The SJ36 is designed to push the boundaries of the traditional light jet category. SyberJet projects a maximum speed of Mach 0.88 and a maximum range of 3,000 nautical miles. If certified at these specifications, the aircraft would be capable of flying nonstop from Los Angeles to Hawaii or from Teterboro to Los Angeles. The design includes a maximum ceiling of 49,000 feet and is engineered to maintain sea-level cabin pressure up to 41,000 feet.
The cabin will accommodate up to eight passengers and incorporates several novel technologies for the light jet segment. According to reporting by Aviation International News, the SJ36 will feature a zero-emission auxiliary power unit (APU) and a speakerless cabin audio system developed by Bongiovi Aviation. The audio system utilizes transducers mounted on the backside of interior panels to deliver sound throughout the cabin without traditional speaker grilles.
Powering the SJ36 will be two Williams International FJ44-4A engines, a selection SyberJet originally announced on October 15, 2025. The flight deck will be equipped with the manufacturer’s proprietary SyberVision avionics suite.
SyberJet World was the first time our customers could walk up to the SJ36 and see what they have committed to, and the response was incredible.
Market positioning and economic claims
SyberJet claims the SJ36 will reduce charter rates by up to 50 percent compared to midsize jets while offering comparable range and speed. The company also projects that the aircraft will save operators up to two hours each way on coast-to-coast trips compared with existing light jets on the market.
SyberJet Chief Executive Officer Trevor Milton emphasized the dual appeal of the aircraft’s performance and operating costs in the company’s October 21 statement.
More than 50 commitments tells us the market has been waiting for innovation. Light jet buyers have always had to choose between speed, range and cost. The SJ36 lets them have all three. We are only on day one, imagine where we will be in a few months with orders.
The 50 commitments announced by the company are letters of intent (LOIs). These are non-binding indications of interest and do not represent firm purchase agreements or guaranteed deliveries. All performance figures for the SJ36 remain projected design targets based on preliminary data and have not yet been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Reviving the SJ30 legacy
The SJ36 program builds upon the aerodynamic foundation of the Sino Swearingen SJ30, a light jet originally designed in the 1980s and 1990s. While the SJ30-2 eventually earned FAA certification, the program struggled with production and capitalization. Only nine airframes were built and four were delivered to customers, with the final delivery occurring in 2006.
SyberJet was formed in 2011 when Metalcraft Technologies acquired the program’s assets. The company is currently headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with operations in San Antonio, Texas, and Cedar City, Utah. Milton acquired the program alongside an investment group in 2024, injecting new capital to modernize the aircraft and restart production.
To demonstrate the platform’s underlying capabilities, SyberJet flew an existing SJ30-2 on August 21, 2026, setting an unofficial East-to-West transcontinental speed record for its class. The aircraft flew from Jacksonville, Florida, to San Diego, California, in approximately 4 hours and 7 minutes.
Alongside the SJ36, SyberJet has also opened reservations for the SJ34. The SJ34 is a direct, upgraded version of the FAA-certified SJ30-2, featuring more powerful Williams FJ44-3 or FJ44-4 turbofans, a redesigned interior, and the SyberVision avionics suite.
Certification and delivery timeline
SyberJet has established a staggered timeline for bringing its two aircraft to market. Deliveries for the upgraded SJ34 model are projected to begin in 2029. However, the certification timeline and entry-into-service target for the clean-sheet SJ36 have not yet been announced by the manufacturer.
AirPro News analysis
Securing 50 letters of intent is a strong marketing signal for SyberJet, but the true test for the revived manufacturer will be converting these non-binding commitments into firm, deposit-backed orders. The business aviation market has a long memory regarding the original Sino Swearingen SJ30 program, which promised exceptional performance but ultimately failed to achieve serial production. Milton and his investment group must prove they have the industrial capacity and capital runway to avoid a similar fate.
The performance targets for the SJ36 are highly ambitious. Achieving Mach 0.88 and a 3,000-nautical-mile range in a light jet footprint would indeed pressure midsize operators, but validating those figures through a rigorous FAA certification program will be expensive and time-consuming. Until SyberJet publishes a firm certification schedule for the SJ36, the industry will likely view the aircraft as a compelling concept rather than an immediate market disruptor.
Photo Credit: SyberJet Aircraft
Business Aviation
Collins Aerospace Launches ARINCDirect OpenAPI at NBAA-BACE 2026
Collins Aerospace introduced ARINCDirect OpenAPI to automate flight data integration for business aviation operators globally.

Collins Aerospace, a business of RTX, introduced a new application programming interface on October 21, 2026, designed to integrate ARINCDirect flight planning and performance data directly into business aviation operators’ existing digital platforms.
Announced during the National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, the ARINCDirect OpenAPI eliminates the need for manual data entry. According to a company press release, the tool allows flight departments to automatically synchronize flight plan status, airspace information, and logbook data with their scheduling and enterprise resource management systems.
Automating flight department data flow
Business aviation operators increasingly rely on integrated digital ecosystems to manage complex scheduling, dispatch, and maintenance tasks. Historically, moving data between flight planning software and enterprise resource management platforms required manual data entry. This process is time-consuming and prone to errors.
The introduction of the OpenAPI allows operators to securely subscribe to data feeds. This enables automatic synchronization of flight plan status, airspace information, trip performance, and logbook data across their preferred third-party systems.
Nicole White, Vice President and General Manager of Connected Aviation at Collins Aerospace, stated in the press release that business aviation flight schedules can shift rapidly, requiring tools that keep pace.
“ARINCDirect OpenAPI integrates the trusted, secure flight planning data our customers rely on directly into their operating systems, helping teams adapt quickly and efficiently to changing plans,” White said.
Ian Galloway, Executive Director of Apps and Connectivity at Collins Aerospace, told Aviation International News that the interface simplifies data consumption for operators who utilize various systems that benefit from flight-planning data.
“With OpenAPI, they can subscribe to it and their system can then go and pull this data automatically… easier, faster, and more accurately. This is going to speed up their operations,” Galloway told the publication.
Galloway also noted that ease of secure access to data is now a baseline requirement for flight departments. Access to the OpenAPI begins in October 2026 through the ARINCDirect portal, allowing early adopters and new customers to begin integrating the interface into their enterprise tools.
The ARINCDirect ecosystem and RTX market position
The ARINCDirect platform provides a comprehensive suite of flight support services tailored for business aviation operators. The system includes flight planning, cabin connectivity, graphical weather, and data link communications.
According to Collins Aerospace, the platform is utilized by operators of more than 5,500 aircraft globally. Approximately 1,900 customers use ARINCDirect specifically for flight planning via web or mobile applications, as reported by Aviation International News.
Collins Aerospace, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, was formed in 2018 following the merger of Rockwell Collins and UTC Aerospace Systems. The company operates as a subsidiary of RTX, a major American aerospace and defense conglomerate based in Arlington, Virginia. RTX employs more than 180,000 people globally and reported 2025 sales exceeding $88 billion.
The launch of the OpenAPI at the NBAA-BACE 2026 convention follows a recent strategic realignment within the Collins Aerospace portfolio. On October 19, 2026, SITA agreed to acquire the Collins Aerospace Airport Solutions business from RTX.
AirPro News analysis
The introduction of an OpenAPI for ARINCDirect reflects a broader industry shift toward open architecture in aviation software. Flight departments are no longer willing to operate in siloed environments where dispatch, maintenance, and scheduling software cannot communicate. By opening its data feeds, Collins Aerospace is acknowledging that while ARINCDirect may be the core flight planning tool, it must play seamlessly with third-party enterprise systems. We view this as a necessary retention strategy. Making data highly portable actually embeds the ARINCDirect platform deeper into an operator’s daily workflow, transforming it from a standalone application into foundational infrastructure.
Photo Credit: RTX
Business Aviation
Nolinor Aviation Launches Fleet Management Service in 2026
Nolinor Aviation offers corporate clients aircraft operations under its Transport Canada AOC, bypassing certification requirements.

Canadian charter and cargo operator Nolinor Aviation launched a turnkey fleet management service on October 20, 2026, enabling corporate and industrial clients to operate Private jets under the carrier’s existing regulatory approvals.
Announced via a company press release, the new division targets non-aviation entities like mining companies and corporate flight departments. The service shifts the economics of aircraft ownership by allowing clients to bypass the multi-year process of obtaining an independent air operator certificate while utilizing Nolinor’s established maintenance and dispatch infrastructure.
Bypassing the certification bottleneck
Obtaining a Transport Canada (TC) Air Operator Certificate (AOC) requires significant capital, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. Nolinor’s fleet management service allows clients to retain full ownership of their aircraft, engines, and technical assets, alongside control over schedules, service standards, and onboard branding.
In exchange, Nolinor provides the flight crews, maintenance personnel, safety management systems, and parts procurement. Operations are conducted under Nolinor’s existing TC Subpart 705 certificate, which governs airline operations in North America. Clients also gain access to the company’s Type A flight dispatch center.
“Owning an aircraft should not mean running an airline. Our clients bring their aircraft and their mission, and we take care of the rest. They have no certificate to obtain, no hangar to build and no team to hire. They deal with a single point of contact and have full visibility into costs.”
The statement was provided by Oliver Tomczak, the newly appointed Vice President of Fleet Strategy at Nolinor Aviation.
Leadership and operational integration
Tomczak leads the new unit after serving as Director of Operations. He joined Nolinor in 2014 as a flight dispatcher and assumed the operations director role on May 1, 2023. His mandate includes assisting businesses in selecting aircraft types that match their specific mission profiles.
A key operational benefit for clients is backup access to Nolinor’s broader fleet. When a client’s dedicated aircraft undergoes heavy maintenance, the airline can substitute its own airframes to maintain schedule continuity.
“Over more than 30 years, we have built an ecosystem that very few carriers can match. Fleet management makes this expertise available to organizations that need their own aircraft without having to build an airline. Oliver’s experience makes him the right person to lead this new chapter. He will also help businesses select the aircraft best suited to their needs.”
This perspective was shared by Marco Prud’Homme, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nolinor Aviation.
Three decades of northern operations
Founded in 1992, Les Investissements Nolinor Inc. operates as a privately owned charter and Cargo aircraft airline headquartered at Montréal-Mirabel International Airport (YMX) in Quebec. The company is wholly owned by the Prud’homme family and employs approximately 300 people.
Nolinor specializes in operations to remote and northern regions, frequently utilizing gravel strips and ice runways. To support these missions, the airline maintains operational bases in Mirabel, St-Hubert, Edmonton, and Yellowknife. The company operates three maintenance lines across two Canadian provinces.
The carrier’s fleet consists predominantly of Boeing 737 variants. Nolinor holds the distinction of being the world’s largest operator of the Boeing 737-200, an aircraft uniquely equipped with gravel deflector kits to land on unpaved runways in the Canadian Arctic.
AirPro News analysis
We view this service launch as a highly efficient monetization of Nolinor’s existing regulatory assets. Securing and maintaining a Subpart 705 certificate in Canada requires immense overhead, including certified dispatch centers and rigorous safety management systems. By offering its AOC as a service, Nolinor creates a high-margin revenue stream that requires zero capital expenditure on new airframes. This model directly appeals to the Canadian mining and resource sectors, which require dedicated airlift to remote sites but lack the core competency to run an airline. It also locks clients into the Nolinor ecosystem, potentially generating long-term maintenance and crew training contracts.
Photo Credit: Nolinor Aviation
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