Jet Access and Eagle Creek Aviation, two Indiana-based aviation companies, are to merge to create a national entity and brand capable of meeting the full spectrum of private aviation needs.

Part 135 charter operator Jet Access took over operations at Indianapolis Regional airport earlier this year and now oversees 10 FBOs and runs 11 flight schools, including additional Indiana operations at Columbus Municipal and Shelbyville Municipal airports.President and CEO Quinn Ricker says: “The combination of our two companies, and more importantly the incredibly talented people that make them great, will create enormous opportunity within the marketplace to innovate, create jobs and bring value to our current and future customers all while making Indianapolis a national private aviation hub.”

Eagle Creek Aviation has a nearly 40 year history in the Indianapolis area, providing aircraft maintenance, sales, FBO and charter services at Eagle Creek airport in Indianapolis. It also operates at Indianapolis Executive airport and Frankfort/Clinton County airport under the First Wing Jet Center brand, allowing the expansion of its FBO, aircraft maintenance and flight training operations.

“We believe when we combine Eagle Creek's decades-long technical expertise and reputation in the industry with the innovation and growth orientation of Jet Access, we will unleash the potential to become the country's preeminent provider of the full scope of aviation services,” notes Eagle Creek Aviation founder and CEO Matt Hagans.

The integrated company will employ over 380 people, including more than 110 professional pilots and 75 aircraft technicians, with the majority based in central Indiana where the combined company will be headquartered. Jet Access will have more than 50 aircraft in its fleet and becomes the only wholly integrated, full-service private aviation enterprise in the US to offer private aircraft charter; Wing Share joint aircraft ownership; FBO services; airport management; aircraft sales and acquisitions; aircraft management; MRO services; aircraft rental; avionics sales, installation, and repair; corporate hangars; and flight training.

“We have strategically designed an integrated vertical business model,” says Ricker. “This will create unparalleled value for our customers, offering turn-key private jet travel and services significantly below the cost of our competitors, all on a national scale. The connection of our two companies does not stop at our industry focus or our Hoosier pride but extends to our mutual commitment to creating an exceptional employee culture as family-owned businesses. Matt has provided opportunities and an exceptional home to his work-family for over 40 years, and we look forward to continuing that tradition.”

Hagans adds: “Quinn and his team have a proven track record, building a business that became an employer of choice when Ricker Oil was designated a 'Best Place to Work'. He has brought that same focus and energy to the aviation industry in Jet Access, and I can think of no better partner as we move into this next phase of growth. Combining these two great companies is a great fit. The product and services offerings, the managers and both teams all dovetail together perfectly.”