Sentient Flight Group ("Sentient), one of the nation's premier full-service private aviation companies, today announced the completion of its acquisition of TAG Aviation USA. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The Company also today announced the formation of the Sentient Aircraft Management Division and named former TAG Aviation USA President & Chief Executive Officer J.W.P. (Jake) Cartwright, and the former TAG USA management team, to lead the division.
"We're very pleased to complete this deal, which solidifies our position as a leader in private aviation, said Steven Hankin, Chief Executive Officer, Sentient Flight Group. "As part of our commitment to service, forming Sentient Aircraft Management creates a dedicated, customer-focused team that further enables Sentient to provide superior levels of service and deliver the best aircraft management program in the industry for both current and future owners.
The Sentient Aircraft Management Division will integrate Sentient's existing Fleet Management team and TAG USA's aircraft management structure. Clients seeking outside charter revenue will have access to the unparalleled jet demand generated by Sentient's Jet Membership and Charter clients.
Hankin continued, "Jake and his exceptional team made TAG Aviation USA a leader in this business. Their shared commitment to excellence and unrelenting focus on safety make them the best individuals to lead this important division. I am personally thrilled to have Jake as a member of the Sentient senior management team and welcome his immediate contributions in helping us build the nation's preeminent private aviation company.
"I am delighted at the opportunity to lead this new division and serve Sentient's aircraft owners, including former TAG USA owners, who have overwhelmingly embraced this new structure, said Cartwright. "The fact that the vast majority of TAG aircraft owners transferred to Sentient is a testament to the market's support for Sentient Aircraft Management's ability to deliver an exceptional program dedicated to safety, service and operating economies that have defined the program since inception.
Reporting to Hankin, Cartwright will assume the title of President of Sentient Aircraft Management and will oversee the consolidated Sentient management fleet including both those aircraft dedicated exclusively to owner flying (Part 91), as well as those flying for owners and third party charter (Parts 91 and 135).
Cartwright joined TAG's predecessor company in 1977, and has served as President of TAG Aviation USA since 1999. His aviation experience began as an F-4 Phantom pilot in the United States Marine Corps and continued through stints with Eastern Airlines and Cessna Aircraft before he joined TAG. A Princeton graduate and Airline Transport Pilot with more than 10,000 hours in jet aircraft, Cartwright has served on the National Business Aircraft Association Advisory Board as well as the Board of Directors of the National Air Transportation Association.
About Sentient Flight Group
Sentient Flight Group, LLC, is an FAR Part 135 Air Carrier and is a subsidiary of Sentient Jet Holdings, LLC, ("Sentient). Sentient is a leading national provider of private aviation services for clients across the country and includes Sentient Jet, Inc., which operates the Sentient Jet Membership program, as well as other operating subsidiaries. Investors include CD Ventures, ABS Capital Partners, AIG, Argosy Capital, Brantley Partners and HSBC. More information is available at www.sentientflight.com.