Leading Edge Aviation acquires Bend Airport operator

Leading Edge Aviation announced Wednesday that it has acquired Professional Air, parent company of Pro Air Services, Inc. and The Flight Shop, Inc., operating out of Bend Municipal Airport. The purchase includes the fixed-base operator (FBO), maintenance, avionics and flight school divisions of Professional Air.

Leading Edge Aviation said it is now the sole fuel provider for both Bend Municipal Airport (KBDN) and Roberts Field Airport (RDM), following their recent acquisition of Butler Aircraft Services in September of last year.

The newly expanded FBO services at Bend Municipal Airport is offered under the name Leading Edge Jet Center Bend.

In a news release, the company said both consolidations allow Leading Edge Aviation Inc. to offer enhanced and expanded FBO services for arriving and departing aviation customers, such as de-icing with commercial de-icing trucks and auxiliary power cart units.

“The company’s foremost endeavor is to cater to each customer’s aviation needs while providing exceptional customer service,” the announcement said.

Brad Fraley, president of Leading Edge Aviation, said, “We are thrilled to announce this acquisition which will continue to drive growth in Central Oregon’s aviation industry. First and foremost, we have a tremendous opportunity to continue to serve our customers well with our expanded facilities and our growing team. This has always been our primary concern and we are excited to place the bar even higher.”

The acquisition substantially grows grown Leading Edge Aviation’s operations, incorporating 26 staff members and inheriting about 32 students from Professional Air’s fixed-wing flight school, a partner of Central Oregon Community College.

“It’s extremely fulfilling and exciting for us to watch our graduates enter the industry and become so successful,” Fraley said of Leading Edge Aviation’s flight training program. “We’re welcoming these students into our community with high hopes for their futures as pilots as we’ve continually seen, first-hand, how excellent training makes way for great possibilities.”

Recently named one of the 5,000 fastest growing companies in the United States by Inc. Magazine, Leading Edge Aviation encompasses seven major business segments including helicopter flight training, fixed wing flight training, avionics, maintenance, helicopter charter, Robinson Helicopter overhaul, and FBO/fuel services.