Ocean Aviation Acquires National Jets at Fort Lauderdale FBO

Ocean Aviation has formally launched its premium fixed-base operator (FBO) platform with the acquisitions of National Jets at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (KFLL), initiating a redevelopment project that will increase the facility’s hangar capacity more than sixfold.

Backed by Kennedy Lewis Investment Management, the acquisition establishes Ocean Aviation’s second major footprint in the supply-constrained South Florida market. In a press release issued on September 14, 2026, the company outlined plans to operate the KFLL facility alongside a $67.2 million greenfield development currently underway at Miami Executive Airport (KTMB).

Redevelopment plans at Fort Lauderdale

National Jets, founded in 1947, will continue to operate under its established name during the initial transition phase. Ocean Aviation confirmed that existing tenants, clients, and staff will experience full continuity of service as the new parent company begins its comprehensive site redevelopment.

The planned expansion at KFLL targets the growing demand for large-cabin business jet accommodations. Ocean Aviation intends to expand the current 22,000 square feet of hangar space to over 150,000 square feet. According to reporting by Aviation International News, the National Jets terminal currently occupies 8,000 square feet, and the legacy operator had previously announced a $70 million expansion project for the site in 2024.

“National Jets has built an outstanding reputation over more than six decades at Fort Lauderdale, and we are honored to carry that legacy forward,” said Romain Grosjean, Chairman of Ocean Aviation. “Combined with our development at Miami Executive Airport, Ocean Aviation is now developing two of the premier private aviation gateways in South Florida, with a clear mandate to set a new standard for the FBO experience in this market.”

South Florida footprint and Miami expansion

The KFLL acquisition complements Ocean Aviation’s ongoing infrastructure investments further south in Miami-Dade County. In 2024, the company executed a 40-year ground lease covering 40 acres at KTMB to establish a new aviation campus.

Ocean Aviation was scheduled to break ground on the KTMB project on September 9, 2026. Once completed, the greenfield development will feature up to 400,000 square feet of hangar space and will serve as the new home for the Wings Over Miami Air Museum.

The rapid expansion is funded by Kennedy Lewis Investment Management, a firm with approximately $37 billion in assets under management.

“This acquisition reflects our conviction in the South Florida market and our commitment to building Ocean Aviation into the preeminent premium FBO platform in the region,” said David Chene, Managing Partner at Kennedy Lewis Investment Management. “We appreciate the opportunity to work alongside Miami-Dade and Broward counties to build lasting infrastructure in supply-constrained, high-growth markets.”

AirPro News analysis

We note that the South Florida business aviation sector remains highly constrained regarding hangar space, particularly for operators of large-cabin aircraft. Ocean Aviation’s dual-pronged strategy of acquiring a legacy FBO while simultaneously developing a massive greenfield site positions the new platform to capture significant regional demand. While the formal platform launch occurred in September 2026, company materials indicate the National Jets acquisition was initially disclosed in June 2026, suggesting the deal was secured earlier in the summer before being packaged into this broader strategic announcement.

Sources: Ocean Aviation via Business Wire