Sentient Jet Holdings has announced the acquisition of The Air Group, a premier aircraft management company. The addition of The Air Group, based in Van Nuys, California, expands Sentient’s presence in the Southern California market. In combination with the recent agreement by Sentient Flight Group, LLC to acquire the aircraft management operations of TAG Aviation USA, Sentient is now the leading manager of aircraft in the country.

“We are committed to continuing to build on our position as the leading aircraft management company in the industry and The Air Group is a terrific addition to Sentient,” said Steven Hankin, chief executive officer. “The Air Group, with a large group of loyal clients, has earned a reputation for excellence within the industry. This acquisition further strengthens our aircraft management experience and provides us with one of the largest and highest-quality fleets for charter customers. With The Air Group’s new facility in Teterboro, New Jersey and the planned opening of a new facility in Van Nuys in the spring of 2008, we also gain access to top-notch facilities for our clients at two important airports.”

The Air Group will be an operating subsidiary of Sentient and will continue to offer aircraft management and aircraft charter services. The Air Group’s current management team, including President Jon Winthrop, will continue to lead operations in Van Nuys.

“We are excited to join the Sentient team,” said Winthrop. “The company has a broad range of capabilities and expertise in private aviation and its culture, focused on service and safety, aligns with the foundation we have built at The Air Group over the past 27 years. Being a part of Sentient will increase the value we bring to our long-standing aircraft owners and the charter clients we serve.”

Within a short period of time, Sentient has emerged as a leader in the private aviation industry, known for its focus on customer service and its innovative approach to safety programs. In addition to being the leading aircraft management company through its subsidiary operators, Sentient also includes Sentient Jet, Inc., which operates Sentient Jet Membership, the leading private jet membership program with more than 3,000 active Members.

The Air Group was advised in the transaction by Kerlin Capital Group, a private investment bank in Los Angeles.
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