US membership-based private aviation company Wheels Up has acquired wholesale-focused light jet operator Travel Management Company (TMC). TMC operates an owned and leased fleet of Hawker 400XP aircraft across North America.

The acquisition comes in response to what Wheels Up says is increasing demand from its members for high-quality light jets that meet its stringent safety and operational standards. As a complement to the current Wheels Up fleet of 93 aircraft, TMC's fleet of 26 Hawker 400XP aircraft will strengthen the Wheels Up light jet offering and growing charter marketplace.

“This acquisition is a foundational piece in our continued brand evolution and mission to provide our members with a total private aviation solution, and we are thrilled to be welcoming TMC into the Wheels Up family,” states Wheels Up founder and CEO Kenny Dichter. “TMC and its light jet fleet are a perfect complement to our anchor partner Gama Aviation and its pilots, who will continue to operate the aircraft in our Wheels Up fleet and provide our members with the same high level of safety and service that they do today.”

TMC CEO Phil Dodyk adds: “Our team is world-class, and we're proud of the reputation we've earned for being one of the safest and most reliable operators in private aviation. By joining Kenny and the Wheels Up team, we're excited to become part of such a renowned brand and a larger company that is deep with talented leadership, which shares our collective vision of building an industry leader.”

TMC will operate as an independent subsidiary of Wheels Up and will continue to provide the same service to its existing wholesale channel partners. TMC customers and wholesale channel partners will continue to engage with their respective TMC contacts, including Phil Dodyk and the TMC leadership team. TMC will continue to operate out of its current location in Elkhart, Indiana.