This website uses cookies
More information
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

ACE 2026 - September 8th

Related information from the Handbook...
The bimonthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Request your printed copy

Aquila Aviation Ventures orchestrates a Mente merger
Aquila Aviation Ventures consists of Millbrook Air, a City+Ventures aircraft management company and charter operator based at Stewart International airport in New York, and full service consulting business Mente Group.
Proctor clearly believes the move is no gamble.

Brian Proctor, president and CEO of Mente Group, headquartered in Dallas, and Danny White, co-founder of Omaha's development and investment company City+Ventures, have partnered to create Aquila Aviation Ventures, a new investment group formed to serve unmet industry needs and leverage resources across entities to scale for future growth.

Aquila consists of Millbrook Air, a City+Ventures aircraft management company and charter operator based at Stewart International airport in New York, and Mente Group, a full-service aviation consulting business and aircraft brokerage service. Both companies operate as standalone platforms, and will shift to be under the leadership of Proctor, who becomes Aquila Aviation Ventures CEO.

“City+Ventures' expertise identifying growth opportunities focused on exceptional customer experiences, along with Millbrook Air and its fleet of business jets, are a perfect combination with Brian Proctor's aviation expertise, to propel Aquila Aviation Ventures to new heights in private aviation,” says White.

“Aquila Aviation Ventures will identify and invest in high-growth firms within the private aviation sector,” adds Proctor. “And as part of the partnership, Mente has been recapitalised, providing it with growth capital to expand its platform and provide new and innovative services. The Millbrook operation will serve as a launch point for new products and concepts, taking advantage of unfulfilled segments in aviation.”

Other News
 
Mente strengthens technical team with Ungerleider
June 11, 2026
Drawing on more than 15 years in aviation, Zach Ungerleider brings maintenance, engineering and aftermarket expertise to Mente Group's technical services team.
The Jet Merchants expands advisory model
May 17, 2026
The firm says that the model has been tested over the past year and a half with a consistent client retention track record, reflecting demand for a structured, advisory-led approach to private aviation buying decisions.
Mente Group promotes Bushouse as brokerage growth continues
May 11, 2026
Kansas City aviation executive Jay Bushouse has taken on a senior leadership role after the firm surpassed $1bn in annual aircraft transactions.