Two Indiana-based aviation companies with nationwide scope and influence announced their merger. Jet Access and the Eagle Creek Aviation family of companies are joining forces to leverage their unique positions within the industry to create a national entity and brand capable of providing a full spectrum of private aviation needs.
Jet Access President and CEO Quinn Ricker expressed his excitement for the future, “The combination of our two companies, and more importantly the incredibly talented people that make them great, will create enormous opportunity within the marketplace to innovate, create jobs and bring value to our current and future customers all while making Indianapolis a national private aviation hub.”
Matt Hagans, Eagle Creek Aviation Founder and CEO, added, “We believe when we combine Eagle Creek’s decades-long technical expertise and reputation in the industry with the innovation and growth orientation of Jet Access, we will unleash the potential to become the country’s preeminent provider of the full scope of aviation services.”
Jet Access took over operations at Indianapolis Regional Airport (formerly known as Mount Comfort Airport) earlier this year and now oversees 10 fixed-based operators (FBOs) and runs 11 flight schools, including additional Indiana operations at Columbus Municipal Airport and Shelbyville Municipal Airport. Jet Access is well known in the industry as one of the largest Part-135 Charter operators in the country, operating over 40 executive jets nationwide from its Palm Beach, Florida, operations base.
Eagle Creek Aviation has a nearly 40-year history in the Indianapolis area, providing multiple award-winning aircraft maintenance, aircraft sales, FBO and charter services at Eagle Creek Airport in Indianapolis. Eagle Creek Aviation also operates at Indianapolis Executive Airport and Frankfort/Clinton County Airport under the First Wing Jet Center brand, allowing the expansion of its FBO, aircraft maintenance and flight training operations.
The integrated company will employ over 380, including over 110 professional pilots and 75 aircraft technicians, with the majority based in central Indiana, where the combined company will be headquartered. Jet Access will be the 12th largest Part-135 private jet operator in the United States, with more than 50 planes in the fleet and the only wholly integrated, full-service private aviation enterprise in the country to offer all the following services:
- Private aircraft charter
- Wing Share joint aircraft ownership
- FBO
- Airport management
- Aircraft sales and acquisitions
- Aircraft management
- Aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul
- Aircraft rental
- Avionics sales, installation, and repair
- Corporate hangars
- Flight training
“We have strategically designed an integrated vertical business model,” Ricker said. “This will create unparalleled value for our customers, offering turn-key private jet travel and services significantly below the cost of our competitors—all on a national scale.”
Regarding the merger, Ricker went on to say, “The connection of our two companies does not stop at our industry focus or our Hoosier pride but extends to our mutual commitment to creating an exceptional employee culture as family-owned businesses. Matt has provided opportunities and an exceptional home to his work-family for over 40 years, and we look forward to continuing that tradition.”
Hagans added, “Quinn and his team have a proven track record, building a business that became an employer of choice with Ricker Oil, designated as a ‘Best Places to Work.’ He has brought that same focus and energy to the aviation industry in Jet Access, and I can think of no better partner as we move into this next phase of growth. Combining these two great companies is a great fit. The product and services offerings, the managers and both teams all dovetail together perfectly.”
ABOUT JET ACCESS
Jet Access is the first vertically integrated and fully transparent full-service aviation management company in the industry. Built on decades of aircraft industry leadership and expertise, Jet Access is committed to making private jet travel safe, cost-effective, uncomplicated and comfortable. Jet Access has operations in Indianapolis, Columbus, and Shelbyville, Indiana; West Palm Beach, Florida; Mattoon and Quincy, Illinois; Columbus, Ohio; Nashville, Tennessee; and Dallas, Texas.
Jet Access
3867 North Aviation Way
Greenfield, IN 46140
ABOUT THE EAGLE CREEK FAMILY OF COMPANIES
Founded in 1982, Eagle Creek Aviation Services has grown from a small but dedicated team of aviation professionals to a nationwide family of aviation companies, covering the entire spectrum of aviation services. From their FBO facility at Eagle Creek Airport, the company offers aircraft sales and acquisitions, maintenance and repairs, and complete avionics and parts support. Eagle Creek Aviation also operates First Wing Jet Center in Zionsville, Ind., which operates the FBOs at the Indianapolis Executive Airport (TYQ) and Frankfort/Clinton County Airport (FKR), along with First Wing Charter and Management, a Part-135 charter operator.
Eagle Creek Aviation Services
4101 Dandy Trail
Indianapolis, IN 46254
