Institutional Investors Acquire AirSprint to Fund Fleet Expansion

A consortium of private equity and institutional investors has reached an agreement to acquire AirSprint Inc., a prominent provider of fractional jet ownership in North America. The lead investors are Onex Partners and TriWest Capital Partners, alongside co-investors. The current management team is staying in place to continue growing the company.

Background and Operations of AirSprint

Founded by Judson Macorin in 2000, AirSprint initially launched operations with a single aircraft. Over its operational history, the company has grown into the largest fractional jet operator in Canada and one of the ten largest private jet operators in North America. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, with regional offices in Toronto and Montréal, the firm operates a 40+ fractional jet fleet providing coast-to-coast access and flights throughout North America and further afield (there’s an interesting chart showing the diversity of AirSprint flight routes over the last five years.)

AirSprint serves more than 600 fractional owners, offering personalized turnkey travel management with programs starting at 25 hours. The enterprise employs a workforce of more than 400 aviation and corporate professionals across its Canadian operations. The company’s business model centers on fractional jet ownership, which provides individuals and corporate entities with the operational benefits of private aircraft access without the full capital requirements and administrative responsibilities of sole asset ownership.

Strategic Objectives and Use of Capital

The capital provided by Onex Partners, TriWest, and their co-investors will fund the company's next phase of growth, including fleet expansion, operational enhancements, technology investments, and strategic initiatives.

The existing leadership structure will remain in place. James Elian will retain his position as President, Chief Executive Officer, and member of the Board of Directors. Company founder Judson Macor will transition from his role as Chairman to become Chairman Emeritus. Both executives, along with select current shareholders, will maintain an ongoing investment position in the company.

Executive Perspectives on the Acquisition

Judson Macor, Founder and Chairman of AirSprint, said “For the past 26 years, AirSprint’s success has been built on the trust, dedication and support of our employees, Fractional Owners, partners, suppliers and shareholders. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to our journey and helped establish AirSprint as Canada’s leading private aviation company.” He noted the significance of the partnership, stating, "Today marks an exciting new chapter as we welcome Onex and its co-investors as our first institutional investors. Their investment is a strong endorsement of the business we have built and the opportunities ahead, and their experience, resources and long-term perspective will help support AirSprint’s continued growth."

James Elian, President and CEO, emphasized the role of the company’s personnel in securing the investment: "What makes AirSprint special is our people. Across the country, our team shows up every day with a deep commitment to our Fractional Owners and to the standards that have built AirSprint’s reputation." Elian added that working with Onex provides "great confidence that AirSprint will continue delivering the safety, service, reliability and value our Fractional Owners depend on today and will expect in the years ahead."

Representing the investor consortium, Faiz Hemani, a Managing Director at Onex Partners, recognized the foundational work of the company's leadership: "Judson Macor founded and grew the company from a single aircraft into a national private aviation platform defined by an uncompromising dedication to its Fractional Owners, and we’re proud to help carry that legacy forward." Hemani confirmed the investors' intention to support the executive team in expanding the core business and its offerings.

The transaction, which remains subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to finalize in the third quarter of 2026.