ACE 2026 - September 8th
• MAC Aircraft Charter
Charter
• MAC Aircraft Maintenance
Maintenance
• MAC Jets
FBO/Handler (International Jetport / Portland)
• MW Aircraft Services
Maintenance
BAN's World Gazetteer
• Maine
The bimonthly news publication for aviation professionals.
Black Forest Ventures has acquired MAC Air Group, a long-standing, family-operated aviation company based at Portland International Jetport in Maine, marking a strategic expansion into the US northeast and establishing a new platform in one of the region's most dynamic general aviation markets.
Founded by the Caruso family in 1959, MAC Air Group has been a cornerstone of general aviation in Maine for decades, earning a reputation for reliability, safety and personalised service. With average leadership tenure exceeding 20 years, the company reflects a deep-rooted commitment to operational excellence and long-term customer relationships.
MAC Air operates a fully integrated aviation platform at PWM, providing: aircraft management and Part 135 charter – an established private jet management company with ARGUS Platinum-rated charter operations featuring a diverse fleet of mid-size to heavy aircraft; FBO – offering fuel services, hangar leasing and private aviation terminal amenities for transient and based aircraft; aircraft maintenance with Part 145 certification – a highly regarded maintenance operation supporting a wide range of general aviation aircraft, including airframe, powerplant and avionics services; and aircraft sales and advisory – brokerage and consulting services for aircraft acquisitions and dispositions.
MAC Air's presence at Portland International is anchored by a modern, purpose-built campus developed from the ground up in 2016. The facility includes approximately 28,800 sq ft of FBO terminal and hangar space, complemented by a 12,960 sq ft operations centre, creating a seamless environment for both passenger services and flight operations. In addition, the campus is supported by dedicated maintenance infrastructure, including a 12,000 square foot maintenance hangar and parts storage facilities, positioning MAC Air with the capacity and layout to support continued growth across its FBO, charter and maintenance operations.
“MAC Air represents exactly the kind of business we look to partner with; deeply respected in its market, operationally sound and built on decades of trust,” says Jeremy Gee, managing director of Black Forest Ventures Aviation. “The Caruso family has created something truly special, and we are committed to honouring that legacy while investing in its future growth.”
The Portland International Jetport serves as a key gateway to the Northeast's coastal destinations and supports a strong mix of corporate, charter and seasonal leisure aviation traffic. MAC Air's established presence, combined with its multi-service capabilities, positions it as a leading aviation provider in the region.
Black Forest Ventures is a private asset management firm with a focus on aviation investments, delivering a fully integrated suite of services across the private aviation ecosystem. Its aviation portfolio includes: Wing Aviation – the largest Texas-based private jet management and on-demand charter operator, delivering comprehensive aviation solutions with a focus on safety, transparency and operational excellence; Galaxy FBO – a premium fixed base operator brand delivering best-in-class ground handling, fuelling and hospitality services across key Texas markets, including Houston William P. Hobby airport, Conroe-North Houston Regional, Addison and most recently Big Spring McMahon-Wrinkle. The brand is recognised nationally for its service excellence and modern facilities, consistently ranking among the top FBO chains in the US; MW Aircraft Services – an FAA Part 145-certified aircraft maintenance provider based at Conroe-North Houston Regional airport. Recently acquired by Black Forest Ventures Aviation in March 2026, MW Aircraft Services delivers inspection, repair and maintenance services for a range of general aviation and business aircraft and now serves as a key technical component within the firm's integrated aviation portfolio; and Feldberg Aero – an aircraft brokerage and advisory firm supporting clients in the acquisition and sale of private aircraft, offering market insight, transaction expertise and strategic guidance throughout the ownership lifecycle.
Together, these companies create a vertically integrated aviation portfolio, allowing Black Forest Ventures to serve clients across every stage of private aviation; from acquisition and operations to ground services and infrastructure, while expanding its footprint from Texas into key northeast markets, including New England.
“MAC has been more than just a workplace, it has been a family, a legacy and a source of pride,” comments Alysan Caruso, president of MAC Air Group. “This decision comes with mixed emotions, but I'm confident that the company is headed in the right direction. Black Forest Ventures is the right partner to carry this forward with its experience in aviation and shared values around service and long-term commitment.”
As part of the acquisition, Black Forest Ventures plans to build on MAC Air's strong foundation by investing in its people, enhancing service capabilities and thoughtfully expanding infrastructure to support long-term growth in the US northeast.
Black Forest Ventures has also acquired MW Aircraft Services. “This acquisition represents a natural evolution of our aviation platform,” states Jeremy Gee, managing director at Black Forest Ventures Aviation. “MW Aircraft Services adds critical maintenance infrastructure and technical talent that strengthens our ability to deliver a fully integrated aviation solution to complement our existing portfolio.”