Months before trials alleging $30 million of fraud, AeroVanti CEO Britton-Harr announced ‘a full suite of business aviation services’.
Months ahead of the first of two possible trials on separate federal criminal indictments for alleged fraud, AeroVanti CEO Patrick Britton-Harr announced a new venture last night.
The press release was titled, “AeroVanti Structures Strategic Alliances With PlaneSmart Aviation & Clear Star Aviation.”
PlaneSmart is an aircraft management company and charter operator.
Clear Star is an MRO.
Both are based in Addison, Texas, north of Dallas.
The release promised “not just a flight, but a dream-like travel experience that guarantees peace of mind.”
The email announcement came two days after a judge denied his motion to relax the terms of his bail agreement.
The release conditions were set following his arrest in South Carolina last year.
In an email seen by Private Jet Card Comparisons, Britton-Harr wrote, “After a year of providing brokered flight options to members and servicing Top Gun Member Flight Credits successfully, AeroVanti has now structured a strategic alliance with PlaneSmart Aviation (and) Clear Star Aviation to handle all client hospitality, flight requests, scheduling, operations and aircraft maintenance out of Addison, Texas.”
Britton-Harr goes on to state, “This alliance will provide additional aircraft options for AeroVanti Members such as Cirrus SR20, SR22, Vision Jet, Pilatus PC-12s, Citation M2, Beechjet Premier, and in process a Learjet 31A.”
The alliance with PlaneSmart was revealed in the court filings earlier this week.
The operator’s CEO, Michael Brosler, wrote to the court in support of easing restrictions on Britton-Harr.
They include electronic monitoring and the withholding of his passport and pilot’s license.
Brosler stated, “In this next chapter, we will be looking for Patrick to help with onboarding aircraft that PlaneSmart will conform for safe and legal air transportation.”
He added, “We will also be looking for him to assist with an ongoing communication effort that ensures his past clients are made whole from their prior association at AeroVanti.”
A quote in the email from Britton-Harr, attributed to PlaneSmart, stated: “We are extremely excited for this strategic alliance with AeroVanti and BrixleyXchange and look forward to providing the highest level of flight safety, trip reliability, and client hospitality for the AeroVanti members & BrixleyXchange clients.”
‘…the individual was offered an opportunity to purchase a partnership in a lease of the plane for approximately $300,000 (by Patrick Britton-Harr), though the owner of the plane had not consented to any such arrangement…’
– Court filing detailing email exchanges via BrixleyXchange account by Patrick Britton-Harr
It added, “We also recognize the current environment surrounding AeroVanti members, its founder, and the challenges those parties have faced.”
The PlaneSmart quote continued, “Collectively we are uniquely qualified, properly positioned, and look forward to an opportunity to provide the increased flight options, flexibility, choice, and premier member hospitality experience.”
The most recent FAA data show two aircraft on PlaneSmart’s charter certificate.
As of last September, there was a Citation light jet and a Pilatus PC-12.
Brosler did not respond to a request for comments about the partnership.
BrixleyXchange on its website says it is “an air charter broker and acts as an agent for charterer under DOT regulations.”
A presentation claims it offers “superior software for aviation, jet card, and multi-asset management.”
Bank records obtained by the government indicate that an account for BrixleyXchange was opened with links to Troy Britton-Harr, Patrick Britton-Harr’s brother.
The BrixleyXchange website boasts, “Discover the quintessence of luxury travel with our meticulously curated selection of private aviation memberships and jetcard offers.”
It reports, “Each offering is a beacon of elite status, designed for discerning individuals who seek more than just travel; they seek an experience.”
The website continues, “Indulge in the comfort of private terminals, the convenience of on-demand flight hours, and the assurance of impeccable service.”
Troy Britton-Harr was listed as president of AeroVanti Brokerage, Inc. in an Oct. 2, 2023, filing with the State of Florida Division of Corporations.
Activities at BrixleyXchange have already drawn the government’s attention.
In the most recent court filing, the U.S. attorney wrote:
‘Information obtained by the government, including a partnership agreement provided by Defendant (Patrick) Britton-Harr to this individual, indicate that the plane at issue—a Cessna Citation Excel aircraft—was not for sale despite whatever representations were made. Rather, according to the agreement sent by Defendant (Patick) Britton-Harr, the individual was offered an opportunity to purchase a partnership in a lease of the plane for approximately $300,000, though the owner of the plane had not consented to any such arrangement. Notably, Defendant (Patrick) Britton-Harr corresponded with the owner of the plane via the email account info@brixleyxchange.com.’
READ: What’s the connection between AeroVanti and BrixleyXchange?
One former Top Gun member tells Private Jet Card Comparisons Britton-Harr has been talking to potential investors.
She said Britton-Harr is telling investors he can drive flight sales via AeroVanti’s members.
At one point, records indicate there were more than 400 members in its programs.
The person said Britton-Harr claimed his new venture is valued at around $20 million.
She said he was seeking an investment in the $5 million range.
She said it was unclear which companies, beyond AeroVanti, were included in the investment.
In 2022, AeroVanti announced an investment vehicle that would provide up to $100 million.
Subsequent reporting shows that was likely untrue.
Government filings say Britton-Harr’s involvement with BrixleyXchange may have violated his bail agreement.
The government has said it considers Britton-Harr a flight risk.
The DOJ alleges he embezzled $15 million from AeroVanti members.
A former executive said in 2023 that AeroVanti may have incurred approximately $50 million in debt.
Aircraft lessors and members have sued the company and Britton-Harr.
Both the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers sued AeroVanti for unpaid sponsorships.
In November 2023, the government obtained a default judgment against Britton-Harr, holding him liable for $30 million.
That lawsuit was related to a previous medical testing business.
Britton-Harr’s email last night promises, “With this strategic alliance in place, AeroVanti Top Gun Members who have retained their credit balances will be able to apply a portion of their credit balance towards each trip.”
It added, “Members will be able to apply a credit of $1,500 per hour towards all flight requests on internal and brokered aircraft, which will be deducted from their outstanding credit balance.”
READ: Court filings reveal AeroVanti CEO Britton-Harr’s newest ventures
The AeroVanti website, as of this morning, was once again active.
It contained the news about its new strategic partnership.
The website states, “AeroVanti has partnered with PlaneSmart! to bring you a full suite of business aviation services — from charter flights and aircraft management to pilot training and brokerage.”
AeroVanti promises members “seamless, effortless luxury.”
Visitors are told, “As an AeroVanti Club member, you will receive not just a flight, but a dream-like travel experience that guarantees peace of mind.”
Trial dates are currently set for May 18, 2026, and October 12, 2026.
Allegations against Britton-Harr charge wire fraud and health care fraud.
The flight provider was grounded in June 2023.
In November 2024, Britton-Harr said it had restarted flights.
DOWNLOAD: USA vs. Patrick Britton-Harr
READ: Caveat Emptor: Avoiding private jet scams, bankruptcies, and shutdowns
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