(Photo above: Columbia 400 | Photo courtesy of Professional Air )
Acquisition Positions Company as Industry Leader in Central Oregon
Leading Edge Aviation is now the primary provider of aeronautical support services for both the Bend municipal and Redmond regional airport following its acquisition of Professional Air.
The purchase of the parent company of Pro Air Services, Inc. and The Flight Shop, Inc., operating out of Bend Municipal Airport (KBND), includes the Fixed-base Operations (FBO) maintenance, avionics and flight school divisions of Professional Air.
The move means Leading Edge Aviation is now the sole fuel provider for both Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN) and Roberts Field Airport (RDM), following itsr recent acquisition of Butler Aircraft Services in September of 2017.
An FBO is defined as being granted the right by an airport to operate at the airport and provide aeronautical services such as fueling, hangaring, tie-down and parking, aircraft rental, aircraft maintenance, flight instruction, and similar services and is the primary provider of support services to general aviation operators at public-use airports.
The newly expanded FBO services at Bend Municipal Airport are offered under the name Leading Edge Jet Center Bend.
A company spokesman said the consolidations allow Leading Edge Aviation Inc. to offer enhanced and expanded FBO services for arriving and departing aviation customers, such as de-icing with commercial de-icing trucks and auxiliary power cart units, adding that the company’s foremost endeavor is to cater to each customer’s aviation needs while providing exceptional customer service.
Brad Fraley, president of Leading Edge Aviation, stated, “We are thrilled to announce this acquisition which will continue to drive growth in Central Oregon’s aviation industry.
“First and foremost, we have a tremendous opportunity to continue to serve our customers well with our expanded facilities and our growing team. This has always been our primary concern and we are excited to place the bar even higher.
“It is an honor to serve the community of Central Oregon and the aviation community at large and, through the growth of our team, we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional service to all of our customers. As always, we are dedicated to maintaining an unparalleled level of service.”
The acquisition has substantially grown Leading Edge Aviation’s operations, incorporating 26 staff members and inheriting approximately 32 students from Professional Air’s fixed wing flight school, a partner of Central Oregon Community College.
“It’s extremely fulfilling and exciting for us to watch our graduates enter the industry and become so successful,” said Fraley, regarding Leading Edge Aviation’s flight training program.
“We’re welcoming these students into our community with high hopes for their futures as pilots as we’ve continually seen first-hand, how excellent training makes way for great possibilities.”
Recently named one of the 5,000 fastest growing companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine, Leading Edge Aviation encompasses seven major business segments including helicopter flight training, fixed wing flight training, avionics, maintenance, helicopter charter, Robinson Helicopter overhaul, and FBO/fuel services.
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