The private jet charter industry in the US caters to those seeking luxurious and efficient air travel. Companies range from traditional charter providers to innovative startups that offer on-demand booking platforms. With a shift towards sustainability, new technologies are emerging, such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Market trends indicate a growing preference for flexibility over ownership, transforming how individuals and businesses approach air travel. Moreover, customer demand continues to rise, pushing firms to enhance their service offerings while adopting advanced technologies to enhance the flying experience, from booking to landing.

The list features various investors including venture capitalists and private equity firms, headquartered in vibrant locations like San Francisco, New York, and Cleveland. Founded between 1976 and 2023, these firms range in size from small teams to large institutions. Noteworthy deals in 2024, such as those made by KKR and Apollo Global Management, highlight trending focuses within the aviation and private jet charter sectors. The investment activity in this space indicates a strong interest in the modernization of air travel and the potential for high-growth opportunities in the coming years.

Top 14 Private Jet Charter Investors in the US

1. Y Combinator

• Website: ycombinator.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 802
• LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made notable investments in the aviation sector, including Odys Aviation, which raised $12.4 million in seed funding to develop prototype aircraft and expand its operations. Additionally, Y Combinator invested in Flytenow, a startup that raised $120,000 to innovate in the aviation space. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement with companies that have the potential to impact the private jet charter industry, showcasing its role as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem with a growing interest in aviation.

2. Starburst

• Website: starburst.aero
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: El Segundo, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: starburst-aerospace-accelerator

Starburst is a venture capital firm based in El Segundo, California, founded in 2012. It specializes in the aerospace and defense industry, providing startup acceleration, strategy consulting, and venture investments to help clients innovate in these sectors. Starburst's clientele includes startups, corporations, and government entities looking to enhance their technological capabilities. Notably, they have invested in several aviation-related startups, including Odys Aviation, which focuses on innovative air mobility solutions, and Exosonic, which is developing supersonic flight technologies. These investments highlight Starburst's active role in fostering advancements in aviation, which could have implications for the private jet charter industry.

3. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

• Website: av.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2023
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 258
• LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

The Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has been involved in significant transactions within the aviation sector, including investments in Wheels Up, a leading private jet charter company, and Heart Aerospace, a Swedish hybrid-electric aeroplane manufacturer. These investments highlight the fund's engagement with innovative companies in the aviation space, particularly those that could impact the private jet charter market.

4. Kkr

• Website: kkr.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1976
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 74
• LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional and individual investors. The firm has been involved in several notable transactions within the aviation sector, including a $1 billion investment in Altavair AirFinance, which focuses on aircraft financing and leasing. KKR's acquisition of a significant aviation loan portfolio from CIT Group, valued at nearly $800 million, further underscores its commitment to the aviation industry. Additionally, KKR's investment in Weststar Aviation highlights its engagement in the private aviation market. These strategic moves reflect KKR's intent to leverage its expertise in the aviation sector, making it a key player in the private jet charter landscape.

5. Directional Aviation Capital, Advisory Arm

• Website: directionalaviation.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: directional-aviation-capital-advisory-arm

Directional Aviation Capital, Advisory Arm is a private equity firm based in Cleveland, Ohio, founded in 1981. The firm specializes in private aviation services, offering solutions such as fractional jet ownership, charter services, and aircraft management. Their diverse portfolio includes prominent brands like Flexjet and Sentient Jet, which cater to both business and individual customers seeking efficient travel options. Notably, Directional Aviation has made significant acquisitions in the private aviation sector, including the acquisition of Flexjet, Bombardier’s fractional jet ownership division, for $185 million in 2013, and the acquisition of Sentient Jet and Everest Fuel for $350 million in 2012. Additionally, they have expanded their operations by acquiring U.K.-based helicopter operator Halo Aviation in 2021. These transactions highlight their focus on innovation and differentiation in the aviation industry, reinforcing their position as a key player in the private jet charter market.

6. 500 Global

• Website: 500.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 98
• LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. In 2024, 500 Global has made 98 investments, showcasing its active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, 500 Global has invested in companies like Savion Aerospace, which focuses on aerospace innovations, and MightyFly, which is developing eVTOL aircraft and the necessary infrastructure for a global network. These investments highlight 500 Global's interest in the aviation sector, particularly in technologies that could enhance or innovate private jet charter services.

7. Apollo Global Management, Inc.

• Website: apollo.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1990
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 46
• LinkedIn: apollo-global-management-inc

Apollo Global Management, Inc. is an asset management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative assets and retirement solutions. Founded in 1990, the firm manages a diverse portfolio across credit, private equity, and real assets, catering to institutional investors, corporations, and individual clients. In recent years, Apollo has made significant strides in the aviation sector, highlighted by its acquisition of Atlas Air Worldwide, a major player in air cargo and charter services, for $5.2 billion in August 2022. Additionally, in November 2023, Apollo Infrastructure acquired Modern Aviation, a fixed-base operator with 16 locations across the USA, further solidifying its presence in the private aviation market. These strategic investments demonstrate Apollo's commitment to expanding its footprint in the aviation industry, particularly in areas that support private jet charter services.

8. KSL Capital Partners

• Website: kslcapital.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: ksl-capital-partners

KSL Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in the travel and leisure industry. Founded in 2005, the firm employs equity, credit, and tactical investment strategies to support businesses in hospitality, recreation, and real estate. KSL has a global presence and partners with companies to enhance their growth and operational performance, providing strategic capital and expertise. Notably, KSL Capital Partners holds a significant minority stake in Atlantic Aviation, which has expanded its network of fixed-base operations (FBOs) through a business combination with Ross Aviation, enhancing its service offerings for private jet travelers. Additionally, KSL's investment in BLADE, a company focused on on-demand air transportation, further demonstrates their engagement in the private aviation sector. Their portfolio also includes luxury hotel brands such as Sereno Hotels and the Malmaison Group, showcasing their diverse investment strategy within the broader travel and leisure market.

9. JetBlue Ventures

• Website: jetblueventures.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: jetblue-ventures

JetBlue Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2016. It specializes in investing in early-stage startups that aim to innovate within the travel and hospitality industries. The firm has a strong focus on sustainable travel and advanced technologies. Notably, JetBlue Ventures has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Joby Aviation, which is developing all-electric eVTOL aircraft, and Universal Hydrogen, which is working on hydrogen fueling technology for aviation. These investments highlight JetBlue Ventures' commitment to advancing the aviation sector, making it a relevant player in the context of private jet charters, as these technologies could transform the industry.

10. The Carlyle Group

• Website: carlyle.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1987
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 25
• LinkedIn: the-carlyle-group

The Carlyle Group Inc. is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and private credit. With a global presence and a focus on providing tailored investment solutions to institutional investors, Carlyle aims to drive long-term value. Notably, Carlyle has made significant investments in the aviation sector, including the acquisition of Carlyle Aviation Partners, which focuses on aircraft leasing and management. They also invested in the Nordam Group, an aerospace repair and manufacturing company, which highlights their commitment to the aviation industry. Furthermore, their acquisition of StandardAero, a provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for aircraft, further solidifies their involvement in the aviation market. These transactions demonstrate Carlyle's strategic interest in sectors that are closely related to private jet charter services.

11. Liquid 2 Ventures

• Website: liquid2.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 91
• LinkedIn: liquid-2-ventures

Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, as well as growth-stage companies. They provide capital, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry insiders to help founders navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. Notably, Liquid 2 Ventures has invested in several companies relevant to the private jet charter industry, including Airhart Aeronautics, which raised funds in a pre-seed round, and Stralis Aircraft, which also secured pre-seed funding. Additionally, they have invested in Regent and Skyways, both of which are involved in aviation-related technologies. This focus on aviation startups indicates their interest in the private jet charter market and related sectors.

12. VSE Corporation

• Website: vsecorp.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Miramar, Florida, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1959
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: vsecorp

VSE Corporation, founded in 1959 and based in Miramar, Florida, is a corporate investor specializing in aftermarket distribution and repair services for the aviation and fleet sectors. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, VSE focuses on ensuring the longevity and efficiency of critical assets through a range of services including MRO, parts distribution, and supply chain management. In recent years, VSE has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in the aviation market. Notably, in 2024, they acquired Kellstrom Aerospace Group for approximately $185 million, enhancing their capabilities in the commercial aerospace aftermarket. Additionally, their acquisition of Global Parts Group, valued at $38 million, aims to expand their product distribution and repair capabilities specifically in the business and general aviation market. These strategic moves demonstrate VSE's commitment to strengthening its presence in the aviation sector, making them a relevant player in the private jet charter industry.

13. United Airlines

• Website: united.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1926
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: united-airlines

United Airlines, Inc., founded in 1926 and based in Chicago, Illinois, is a major airline that offers extensive air travel services across a vast domestic and international route network. Catering to both business and leisure travelers, United Airlines provides scheduled and chartered flights, ensuring connectivity and convenience for its customers. In recent years, United has made significant investments in the aviation sector, particularly in Archer Aviation, where they participated in multiple funding rounds totaling over $1 billion. These investments are aimed at advancing aircraft technology and manufacturing capabilities, which are crucial for the future of air travel, including private jet charters. Their acquisition of Pan Am's Pacific division in 1985 further demonstrates their long-standing commitment to expanding their operational footprint in the aviation industry.

14. Blackstone

• Website: blackstone.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 57
• LinkedIn: blackstonegroup

Blackstone Inc. is a leading investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio and investment strategies. Notably, Blackstone has made significant investments in the aviation sector, including a $1 billion investment in Jet Support Services in December 2024, which provides maintenance and support services for business jets. Additionally, Blackstone's earlier investment in Lobo Leasing, which raised $200 million in 2014, highlights its engagement in the aircraft leasing market. These transactions demonstrate Blackstone's strategic interest in the aviation industry, particularly in areas that intersect with private jet charters.

Private Jet Charter Insights: Key Investors in the US

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