Talon Air, a Long Island-based private jet charter and aircraft fleet management company, has completed a management buyout that closed January 2, 2026, transitioning the operation to independent ownership. The new ownership structure includes current CEO James Chitty, Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Piazza, and an aviation-focused investment group.
The transaction separates Talon Air from Vista, which became a shareholder through its 2021 acquisition of Apollo Jets. Under the new structure, Chitty will continue leading the company as a fully independent business after managing operations during its period under group ownership.
Fleet Expansion and Management Operations
Talon Air added 12 aircraft to its management operations during 2025, with nine of those additions occurring in the fourth quarter. This expansion increased the company’s managed fleet to approximately 40 aircraft, positioning the operator among the top 15 charter companies in the United States by fleet size.
The managed fleet consists of midsized, super-midsized, and heavy jets. Aircraft types under management include Gulfstream IVSP, Gulfstream 450, Gulfstream V, Global 5000, and Global 6000 models. This fleet composition enables the operator to serve transcontinental routes and international destinations requiring extended range and cabin space.
| Aircraft Category | Examples in Fleet | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Jets | Gulfstream V, Global 5000, Global 6000 | 5,000+ nm |
| Super-Midsized Jets | Gulfstream 450, Gulfstream IVSP | 3,500-4,500 nm |
| Midsized Jets | Various models | 2,000-3,000 nm |
Fleet composition based on Talon Air operations. Total managed fleet: approximately 40 aircraft.
Operational Base and Infrastructure
Talon Air operates from Republic Airport in Farmingdale, New York, on Long Island. The location provides access to the New York metropolitan area while avoiding the congestion and slot restrictions of major commercial airports. Republic Airport serves as a preferred reliever airport for private aviation operations in the region.
The company maintains an FAA-approved repair and maintenance station at its Republic Airport facility. This in-house maintenance capability allows the operator to service its managed fleet and provide third-party maintenance services, creating an additional revenue stream beyond charter and management operations.
Safety Certifications and Compliance
Talon Air holds multiple independent safety certifications recognized throughout the private aviation industry. The company maintains ARGUS Platinum Elite rating, Wyvern Wingman certification, and IS-BAO III (International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations, Stage III) certification.
These certifications require third-party audits of operational procedures, pilot training programs, maintenance practices, and safety management systems. The ARGUS Platinum Elite rating represents the highest tier in that rating system, while IS-BAO Stage III indicates the most comprehensive implementation of safety management systems under that framework.
For charter customers and aircraft owners, these certifications provide independent verification of operational standards. For insurance underwriters, the safety ratings often influence premium calculations and coverage terms.
Business Strategy Under Independent Ownership
Chitty outlined plans to pursue new partnership opportunities with private jet brokers and industry suppliers while maintaining continuity for existing employees, aircraft owners, and charter customers. The independent ownership structure provides flexibility to establish broker relationships and operational agreements without requiring approval from a parent organization.
The company offers three primary services: aircraft management for private owners, on-demand charter flights, and aircraft sales and acquisition support. The management business generates recurring revenue through monthly fees while the charter operation provides variable income based on flight activity. The maintenance station serves both internal fleet requirements and external customers.
Market Position and Competition
With approximately 40 managed aircraft, Talon Air ranks among the top 15 charter operators in the United States. The competitive landscape includes both independent operators and companies affiliated with larger aviation groups. Independent operators compete primarily on service quality, safety ratings, fleet availability, and geographic coverage.
The Long Island location provides geographic advantages for serving the northeastern United States, a region with high private aviation demand. However, the operator competes with numerous charter companies based at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, Westchester County Airport in New York, and other airports serving the New York metropolitan area.
Ownership Transition Context
Vista’s involvement with Talon Air originated through its acquisition of Apollo Jets in 2021, which made Vista a shareholder in Talon Air. The management buyout returns operational control to the company’s leadership team while Vista exits its ownership position.
The transaction structure, which includes current management and an aviation-focused investment group, suggests the new ownership intends to support continued growth rather than simply maintain existing operations. The investment group’s specialization in aviation indicates sector-specific expertise that could facilitate expansion strategies.
Growth Trajectory Analysis
The addition of 12 aircraft during 2025 represents approximately 30 percent fleet growth, assuming the company managed roughly 40 aircraft before those additions. Nine aircraft joining in the fourth quarter alone indicates accelerating momentum toward year-end.
Aircraft management growth typically results from owners seeking professional fleet oversight, tax advantages, and operational efficiencies. Growth in this segment suggests Talon Air has successfully marketed its services to aircraft owners while maintaining operational performance that encourages retention of existing managed aircraft.
Operational Implications
Managing 40 aircraft requires substantial infrastructure including pilot staffing, maintenance technicians, dispatch operations, and customer service personnel. The company’s in-house maintenance capability reduces reliance on third-party MROs while providing quality control over aircraft readiness.
For charter operations, fleet expansion increases aircraft availability and provides backup options when primary aircraft undergo maintenance or face scheduling conflicts. Larger fleets also enable operators to match specific aircraft types to customer requirements based on passenger count, range needs, and mission profiles.
The independent ownership structure eliminates potential conflicts between Talon Air’s broker relationships and any competing services offered by a parent organization. This autonomy may facilitate partnerships with brokers who prefer working with independent operators rather than competitors’ affiliates.
Industry Context
The management buyout occurs during a period of consolidation and restructuring across the private aviation industry. While some operators have joined larger aviation groups seeking scale advantages, others have chosen independence to maintain operational flexibility and preserve company culture.
Aircraft management remains a competitive business with margins pressured by operating costs, insurance requirements, and regulatory compliance expenses. Successful operators typically differentiate through safety records, customer service quality, or specialized capabilities such as in-house maintenance.
As Talon Air executes its growth strategy under independent ownership, the company’s performance will provide insights into the viability of mid-sized independent operators competing against both smaller boutique services and larger integrated aviation platforms.
