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Acquisition Continues to Strengthen JetDirect's Operating Capabilities
National Infrastructure Grows to More than 130 Aircraft Under Management
BERWYN, PA. - June 7, 2007 - JetDirect Aviation Holdings, LLC, ("JetDirect") one of the country's largest full-service private jet operations, today announced the acquisition of Sunset Aviation, the largest aircraft operator in Northern California. Advancing JetDirect's strategy to develop a nation-wide operational base with quality supply in strategic markets, the acquisition of Sunset adds Northern California as the Company's ninth regional operating base and increases its combined national fleet to more than 130 aircraft under management.
With the addition of Sunset's regional capabilities and operational experience, JetDirect's private jet customers will have access to an even larger fleet of managed aircraft. The combined fleet on JetDirect's operating certificates was already the largest FAA Part 135 managed fleet prior to the acquisition. The addition of the 25 aircraft managed by Sunset, positioned at strategic bases throughout Northern California, will help support the rapid growth of JetDirect's retail charter business as well as the Sentient Jet Membership Program, which has tripled in size over the past two years and continues to grow at a tremendous pace.
"With its fleet of high-quality aircraft, strategic location and dedication to safety, Sunset is a terrific addition to the JetDirect portfolio, and will support us in our goal to deliver world-class, flexible private travel solutions to meet consumer demand," said Steven Hankin, JetDirect's president and chief operating officer. "This acquisition is an example of our continued drive to increase the value we provide our customers."
Sunset Aviation has aircraft operations at Novato (DVO), Santa Rosa (STS), Concord (CCR), Sacramento (SAC), Napa (APC) and Herber City (36U) airports. With an outstanding safety record and a Platinum rating from ARG/US, Sunset shares the same intensive focus on safety that JetDirect has established across all of its operations. As part of the acquisition, key members of Sunset's management team including Dan Drohan, president and chief executive officer, will continue to oversee operations in Northern California as well as support other JetDirect businesses.
"We are very excited to be joining the JetDirect team," said Drohan. "With JetDirect's industry-leading capabilities and expertise and Sentient's highly successful Jet Membership Program, we will continue to provide a significant level of demand for the aircraft we manage. We are well positioned for aggressive growth in this market and I think that our value proposition for aircraft owners is very strong."
About JetDirect
JetDirect Aviation Holdings, LLC ("JetDirect") is a leading aircraft management and private aviation services company with operations in New York, Philadelphia, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Louis, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle. The company's combined fleet of aircraft covers the complete range of light jets to wide body long-range jets, and is one of the newest, safest and most efficient in the private jet industry. The company offers charter services, the Sentient Jet Membership Program, aircraft management options, as well as maintenance and technical services designed to meet the specific needs of its clientele. Investors include Philadelphia based private equity firms CD Ventures and Argosy Capital, as well as ABS Capital Partners of Baltimore, MD, Brantley Partners of Cleveland and New York based HSBC and AIG. More information is available at www.jetdirect.net.
About Sunset Aviation
Sunset Aviation manages more than 25 aircraft based from the Novato (DVO), Santa Rosa (STS), Concord (CCR), Sacramento (SAC), Napa (APC) and Heber City (36U) airports. The company provides air charter throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, acquisition and management services for corporate aircraft, and maintenance services. Sunset Aviation is a proud recipient of the ARG/US Platinum Safety Rating and the prestigious Diamond Certified Award for Customer Service Excellence. Sunset Aviation can be visited on the Web at www.sunsetaviation.com.
Press contact:
John Hartz or Anton Nicholas
Sloane & Company
212-486-9500
For local inquiries:
Jenevieve Randall
Glodow Nead Communications
415-394-6500
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