Wheeling, Illinois-headquartered aircraft management and private charter provider Priester Aviation has joined IADA, the National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) and the Organisation of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). It has begun contributing immediately.

Chairman and CEO Andy Priester spoke at the IADA spring meeting that was held in May. Priester Aviation successfully went through the rigorous acceptance process to become a verified products and services member.

The company's team recently attended NAFA's 50th annual conference in April in Napa Valley, California, the organisation's first in-person conference in two years. Highlights ranged from an industry-issue town hall to updates on the preowned aircraft market.

Priester serves as an OBAP sponsor at the connector level, helping it shape an aerospace industry as diverse as the people it serves.

“These efforts advance us toward our goal of delivering incredibly high-quality, client-focused services while also doing our part to make our industry as robust, responsive and forward thinking as possible,” says Priester. “In our three quarter of a century history we have never seen the kind of demand for aircraft ownership and private charter flights that we're experiencing right now. Meeting these needs moving forward requires planning, preparation and everyone pulling the same direction.”

Since its founding in 1945, Priester Aviation has evolved into a multidisciplinary global aircraft management and on demand charter company. Its leadership torch passed to a third generation last year with Charlie Priester transitioning to chairman emeritus and his son, Andy, assuming the role of chairman and CEO. Under Andy's leadership, the Priester Aviation fleet has grown from seven to 75 aircraft. A new management programme launched last summer with Jet Support Services. JSSI Parts & Leasing serves to streamline procurement and realise efficiencies that free Priester team members to focus on their primary objective of delivering personalised, there-for-you customer service.

"The International Aircraft Dealers Association is proud to welcome Priester Aviation as a Verified Products and Services member,” says executive director Wayne Starling. “The company has been thoroughly vetted to reflect the highest ethical standards and levels of experience, and we appreciate its continued support and leadership.”

“NAFA members proudly support general and business aviation aircraft throughout the world, and we're happy to add Priester Aviation to our association,” says president Jim Blessing. “The use of private aviation has grown tremendously, and as NAFA celebrates its 50th anniversary, we point to the many services our members offer to the public, including services Priester Aviation provides to the private aviation vertical.”

“We welcome new supporters such as Priester Aviation who help us create a pathway for a more diverse industry,” adds OBAP board of advisors chair Vanessa Blacknall-Jamison. “They help fortify our role as change managers and leaders.”