The private jet charter industry in Europe consists of various types of companies catering to the growing demand for luxury air travel. These range from established charter brokers and operators to emerging fintech solutions offering unique travel experiences. Companies provide services such as on-demand charters, aircraft management, and additional amenities like catering and concierge services. With increased awareness of convenience and time efficiency, the industry is evolving towards incorporating technological innovations, enhancing customer experiences, and promoting sustainable aviation solutions. As travel preferences shift, the journey of private aviation in Europe marches steadily towards accessibility and advanced service offerings.

The roster of top private jet charter investors combines corporate giants and private equity players, all primarily based across cities like London and Paris. These 18 investors, established between 1879 and 2022, vary significantly in size; some have over 10,000 employees while others operate with fewer than 50. In 2024 alone, they recorded impressive investments, with deals ranging from 1 to 32 each. This eclectic mix of investors highlights their strategic roles in advancing the private aviation sector in Europe.

Top 18 Private Jet Charter Investors in Europe

1. BBA Aviation plc

• Website: bbaaviation.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1879
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: bba-aviation-plc

BBA Aviation plc, based in London, England, is a corporate investor founded in 1879. The company operates through its subsidiary, Signature Aviation, which specializes in private aviation services. Signature Aviation offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including maintenance, fuel services, and loyalty programs for aviation customers. They manage a network of private aviation terminals across multiple continents, catering to both business and private aviation needs. Notably, BBA Aviation has been involved in significant transactions within the private aviation sector, such as co-leading an $18 million investment in Victor, a private jet charter marketplace, aimed at creating a global, digitally-driven ecosystem for general aviation. Additionally, BBA Aviation has expanded its operations through the acquisition of FBO facilities, including those from Meridian and Bohlke International Airways, further enhancing their capabilities in the private jet charter space. Their strategic acquisitions, such as Landmark Aviation, which added 68 FBO locations to their network, demonstrate their commitment to growing their presence in the private aviation market.

2. Airbus

• Website: airbus.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Blagnac, Occitanie, France
• Founded year: 2003
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: airbusgroup

Airbus SE is a prominent aerospace manufacturer based in Blagnac, Occitanie, France, specializing in the design and production of commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense systems, and space technology. Founded in 2003, Airbus serves a global customer base, including airlines, military organizations, and space agencies, with a commitment to sustainability and advancing aerospace technology. Notably, Airbus has made strategic investments and acquisitions that enhance its position in the aviation market. For instance, their investment in BLADE, which raised $38 million in a Series B round, demonstrates their interest in the private air transportation sector. Furthermore, their acquisition of Bombardier's remaining shares in Airbus Canada Limited Partnership, which includes the A220 Programme, showcases their intent to expand their aircraft offerings, potentially including private jets. These transactions reflect Airbus's strategy to grow its digitalization and services offerings, positioning them as a key player in the private jet charter industry.

3. Avia Solutions Group

• Website: aviasg.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: avia-solutions-group-ab

Avia Solutions Group is a corporate investor based in Dublin, Ireland, specializing in a wide range of aviation services, including ACMI, aircraft leasing, aviation consulting, and training. Founded in 2010, the company has grown to become a significant player in the global aviation market, serving airlines and aviation businesses worldwide. In recent years, Avia Solutions Group has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio in the private jet charter sector. Notably, in July 2023, they acquired Synergy Aviation, a UK private aircraft charter and management company, which they plan to rebrand as Ascend Airways. Additionally, their acquisition of AirExplore in June 2023, a Slovakian ACMI/charter carrier, further solidifies their position in the charter market. These transactions reflect Avia Solutions Group's commitment to expanding its footprint in the private aviation industry, making it a relevant investor in the private jet charter space.

4. Permira

• Website: permira.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1985
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 8
• LinkedIn: permira

Permira is a London-based private equity investment firm founded in 1985, specializing in private equity and credit solutions. The firm partners with management teams and entrepreneurs to drive growth and create long-term value across various sectors, including technology, consumer, healthcare, and services. Notably, Permira has made strategic investments in the aviation sector, including the acquisition of Jet Aviation in 2005, which is a leading provider of business aviation services. Additionally, in 2019, Permira acquired a majority stake in Topcast Aviation Supplies, the largest independent aircraft parts distributor in the Asia Pacific region, further demonstrating its commitment to the aviation industry. These transactions highlight Permira's focus on transforming businesses into market leaders, particularly in sectors that support private aviation.

5. Ldc

• Website: ldc.co.uk
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 15
• LinkedIn: ldc

Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited, commonly known as LDC, is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1981. As part of Lloyds Banking Group, LDC specializes in providing growth capital and strategic support to mid-market businesses across various sectors. The firm focuses on fostering long-term partnerships to drive business success through investment and advisory services. Notably, LDC has made several acquisitions in the aviation sector, including PDG Helicopters in 2015, which highlights their engagement in the air travel industry. They also acquired Airline Services Interiors in 2012, further indicating their interest in aviation-related businesses. Although LDC has a diverse investment portfolio, their transactions in the aviation space suggest a relevant connection to the private jet charter industry.

6. Deutsche Bank

• Website: db.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
• Founded year: 1870
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 32
• LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. With over 10,000 employees, the bank offers a comprehensive range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. Deutsche Bank serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. Notably, Deutsche Bank has been involved in several significant transactions within the private aviation sector, including debt financing for Avolon Holdings, which raised $500 million in 2014, and Wings Capital Partners, which secured $500 million in 2018. Additionally, they participated in financing Waypoint Leasing Services with $85 million in 2015. These transactions highlight Deutsche Bank's active role in supporting the financial infrastructure of the private jet charter industry.

7. EQT Group

• Website: eqtgroup.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across various sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the aviation sector, including the acquisition of EIS Aircraft Group, which focuses on products and services for civil and military aviation, such as cabin interiors and maintenance services. Additionally, EQT's investment in Unilode Aviation Solutions highlights their engagement in aviation logistics and services. These transactions demonstrate EQT's capability and interest in the aviation industry, making them a relevant player in the private jet charter space.

8. Groupe Crédit Agricole

• Website: credit-agricole.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Montrouge, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1894
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn: credit-agricole

Groupe Crédit Agricole is a cooperative banking group based in Montrouge, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1894. It provides a comprehensive range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment management, with a strong commitment to mutuality and social responsibility. In recent years, Crédit Agricole has been involved in several notable transactions within the aviation sector, particularly in debt financing. For instance, they participated in a $500 million debt financing for Avolon Holdings in March 2014 and another $500 million for Wings Capital Partners in June 2018. Furthermore, they were involved in significant post-IPO debt transactions for Embraer, raising $650 million in October 2022 and $350 million in August 2024. Their role in financing CDB Aviation, a subsidiary of China Development Bank, also highlights their engagement in the aviation financing landscape, making them a noteworthy player in the context of private jet charter investments.

9. Ardian

• Website: ardian.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1996, headquartered in Paris, Île-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds, enabling access to high-quality private market investments. With a global presence and a commitment to sustainable finance, Ardian aims to create lasting value for its clients. Notably, Ardian has made strategic investments in the aviation sector, including a majority stake in NHV Group, an international helicopter transport services company, which highlights their engagement in the transport industry. Additionally, their acquisition of a significant equity interest in Alvest, a provider of airport ground support equipment, further underscores their involvement in the aviation ecosystem, making them a relevant player in the context of private jet charters.

10. Cvc

• Website: cvc.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has made significant investments in the aviation sector, including a substantial equity commitment to Avolon Holdings, an aircraft leasing group, which raised US$1.4 billion in initial capital. Additionally, CVC's acquisition of Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing, a manufacturer of aerospace parts, for $1.365 billion highlights their strategic interest in the aviation industry. Furthermore, their recent acquisition of CTC Moyson Airport Equipment indicates ongoing engagement in sectors that support aviation operations, reinforcing their relevance in the private jet charter context.

11. Alcuin Capital Partners

• Website: alcuincapital.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: alcuin-capital-partners

Alcuin Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm based in London, England, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in providing capital to ambitious UK businesses across various sectors, including technology, consumer goods, and financial services. They focus on both minority and majority investments, offering advisory support to help companies grow and succeed in competitive markets. Notably, Alcuin Capital Partners has invested in Air Charter Service, a significant player in the private jet charter industry, raising an undisclosed amount in a private equity round in October 2016. This involvement highlights their engagement in the aviation sector, particularly in private jet charters. Additionally, they have made other acquisitions, such as On The Go Tours and Groucho Club, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio.

12. Baillie Gifford

• Website: bailliegifford.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1908
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn: baillie-gifford

Baillie Gifford & Co is an investment management firm based in Edinburgh, Scotland, specializing in managing equity, fixed-income, and multi-asset portfolios. Founded in 1908, the firm serves professional investors, including institutions and high-net-worth individuals, with a focus on long-term growth opportunities. Baillie Gifford employs a research-driven approach to deliver sustainable returns for its clients. Notably, the firm has made significant investments in the aviation sector, including a $180 million investment in Joby Aviation, which is working on eVTOL aircraft for urban air mobility, and a $35 million investment in Lilium, another key player in the eVTOL market. Additionally, Baillie Gifford led a $105 million Series B funding round for Merlin Labs, a company focused on autonomous aviation technology. These transactions highlight Baillie Gifford's commitment to innovative aviation solutions, which could have implications for the private jet charter industry.

13. Sgh

• Website: sghcapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: sghcapital

SGH Capital is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in early and mid-stage disruptive companies across various sectors, including fintech and blockchain. They provide capital and strategic support to innovative businesses primarily in the US and western Europe. Notably, SGH has made significant investments in the private aviation sector, including WIJET, which raised $15 million in a Series B round in 2016, and OpenJet, which secured $3.4 million in a Seed Round in 2016. Additionally, they invested $13 million in ZeroAvia in a Series A round in 2021, a company focused on sustainable aviation solutions. These transactions highlight SGH's active role in the private jet charter industry and its commitment to supporting innovative aviation companies.

14. STAR Capital Partnership LLP

• Website: star-capital.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: star-capital.com

STAR Capital Partnership LLP is a private equity firm based in London, England, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in strategic asset-based investments across Western Europe, managing capital from institutional investors. STAR Capital focuses on sectors such as transport, utilities, and healthcare, partnering with management teams to enhance shareholder value and ensure long-term growth. Notably, STAR Capital has made significant investments in the aviation sector, including the acquisition of ASL Aviation Holdings for over €200 million, which expands their footprint in the airline industry. Additionally, their acquisition of SR Technics, a leading provider of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, further underscores their commitment to the aviation sector. These transactions highlight STAR Capital's strategic interest in transport and aviation, making them a potential player in the private jet charter market.

15. Tikehau Capital

• Website: tikehaucapital.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 501-1000
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: tikehau-investment-management

Tikehau Capital is an investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in alternative asset management. Founded in 2004, the firm offers a diverse range of services including private debt, private equity, real assets, and capital markets strategies. Tikehau Capital serves a variety of clients, including institutional and private investors, as well as SMEs seeking tailored financing solutions to support growth and sustainability initiatives. Notably, Tikehau has been involved in significant transactions within the aeronautical sector, such as their exclusive negotiations to acquire Sabena Technics, a company with a revenue of €650 million that specializes in aeronautical maintenance. This transaction highlights their interest in the aviation industry, alongside other investments like Daher and Mecachrome France, which further demonstrate their engagement with companies that have ties to the aerospace and aeronautical fields.

16. Air Partner

• Website: airpartner.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Horley, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1961
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: air-partner

Air Partner is a corporate investor based in Horley, England, specializing in private aviation services, including private jets, group charters, and cargo transport. Founded in 1961, the company has over 60 years of experience in the aviation industry, ensuring safety and reliability in their operations. Air Partner has been active in expanding its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, such as Clockwork Research, a fatigue risk management consultancy, and Baines Simmons, an aviation safety consultancy. These acquisitions enhance their service offerings and operational safety, which are critical in the private jet charter market. In 2017, they acquired SafeSkys Ltd, further strengthening their position in aviation safety. Their acquisition of Kenyon International Emergency Services in 2021 and Redline Assured Security in 2019 also reflect their commitment to enhancing their operational capabilities and safety measures, which are essential for private jet operations. Overall, Air Partner's focus on private aviation and strategic growth through acquisitions makes them a significant player in the private jet charter industry.

17. Unruly Capital

• Website: unrulycap.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: unruly-capital

Unruly Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups across various industries, including health, climate, and technology. Unruly Capital emphasizes transparency in its investment processes and aims to attract innovative founders seeking capital to grow their businesses. Notably, they have made investments in companies such as Talyn Air, which is involved in the aviation sector, and Heart Aerospace, which focuses on electric aircraft. These transactions highlight Unruly Capital's interest in the aviation industry, particularly in companies that may contribute to the future of private jet charters and sustainable aviation solutions. By offering venture capital investments and management services, Unruly Capital plays a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of securing funding, particularly in innovative sectors like aviation.

18. Innovacom

• Website: innovacom.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1988
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn: innovacom

Innovacom is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1988. The firm specializes in supporting startups through investment and strategic advisory services, focusing on financing innovative projects in technology and industry. Innovacom has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the private aviation sector, including a significant investment in Wingly, a flight-sharing platform that raised €3 million to expand its services across the UK, France, and Germany. Additionally, Innovacom acquired a stake in Elixir Aircraft, a leader in low-carbon light aircraft, through a €40 million funding round aimed at enhancing production capabilities. These transactions highlight Innovacom's commitment to fostering innovation in the aviation industry, making them a relevant player in the private jet charter market.

Private Jet Charter Insights: Key Investors in Europe

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