US FBO chain Sheltair Aviation has announced the passing of its founder and chairman Jerry Holland. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on 18 November at the age of 90.

Holland grew Sheltair from a single FBO in Florida into a company spanning nearly five million square feet of real estate, 16 locations across four states and employing 500 team members.

His professional journey began in 1963 with the launch of his construction business. In 1983, he purchased his first set of hangars at Fort Lauderdale Executive airport from a friend, starting a chapter that would reshape private aviation. Three years later, Holland broke ground on Sheltair's flagship FBO at Fort Lauderdale International airport and continued strategic growth in the southeastern US with the opening of a second FBO in the late 1980s.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Holland stepped back from daily operations, entrusting the company to his daughter Lisa. “We are proud of all that Sheltair has accomplished, and much of that success is due to the strong foundation my father established,” says Lisa Holland. “My father always dreamed bigger and was relentless in making those dreams a reality. It's why we enjoy the success we're blessed to have today.”

A man of humble beginnings, Holland did not attend college and is often described by his family as “a simple man with a big vision”. He rooted the company in integrity and service, frequently asking his leaders, “are you building and growing?” and fostering a family-first culture that remains central to Sheltair's identity.

“Jerry's work ethic and business philosophy made us a leader in the general aviation business,” says COO Todd Anderson. “I feel privileged for the 25 years I worked for and learned from him. We will miss him dearly.”

Holland was married to his wife Mikki for 60 years and is survived by her, their two daughters Lisa and Lori, and three grandchildren.

“My grandpa was so much more than the founder of Sheltair; he was a visionary, a leader and above all the heart and soul of our company,” says Kai Seymour, Sheltair's growth strategy manager and Holland's eldest grandson. “He built Sheltair from the ground up, guided by a relentless passion for aviation, an unwavering commitment to excellence and a profound respect for every person who walked through our doors. What he created was not just an aviation business; it was a family. To me personally, he was my greatest inspiration. His work ethic, shaping this company into the leading force it is today, his humility and his belief in people have shaped the person I am today. As we mourn this tremendous loss, I find strength in knowing that his legacy will live on in each of us and in every part of Sheltair. It's a legacy I am proud to carry forward with the same spirit, values and vision he instilled from the very beginning.”