March 10, 2024
Chicago-based Priester Aviation is acquiring Colorado-based Mayo Aviation with plans to keep separate brands and operations.
Two companies with long histories in business aviation are combining.
Chicago-based Priester Aviation, which traces its history to 1945, is acquiring Englewood, Colorado-based Mayo Aviation, which was founded in 1978.
The companies will continue to have separate brands and operations while creating greater enhancements for clients through increased scale and sharing of resources, according to a press release.
There are no plans for staff reductions.
“We view success differently than others in this industry,” says Andy Priester, Priester Aviation Chairman and CEO.
He adds, For other companies, success comes from collecting assets and focusing on the bottom line. For us, success is found in the service we provide and the relationships we build. This is an opportunity to blend two incredible, talented teams who are focused on building and enhancing relationships.”
According to Amstat, Mayo has 14 aircraft, including six King Air 350s, ranging up to a large cabin Gulfstream 450.
Priester lists 15 aircraft available for charter, 11 of which are super midsize and large cabins.
The partnership brings together two of the largest family-owned companies in private aviation.
Mayo Aviation was established by current CEO Bill Mayo’s parents. Andy Priester is the third generation to helm the company founded by his grandfather, George.
Mayo Aviation was recently named the Best Private Jet Service in Colorado Biz Magazine.
“This is not like other acquisitions that have become popular in our industry. The focus of our partnership is honoring and building on the incredible relationship Mayo Aviation has with aircraft owners, team members, and vendor partners. Relationships are the foundation that Mayo and Priester have been built on, and that foundation will continue to be our focus in the future,” Mayo said.
Mayo will continue n a leadership role after the acquisition, which is expected to be completed in early Fall.
Priester holds Argus Platinum, Wyvern, IS-BAO Stage III, and Air Charter Safety Foundation certifications.
Mayo is Wyvern Registered, ARGUS Gold rated. It received the National Business Aviation Association Corporate Business Flying Safety Award for over 35 years and 216,000 hours of accident-free flying,
Priester restarted sales of its Centerline Jet Card in July after putting the program on hiatus last Fall.
