BACKFebruary 2, 2024
WHEELING, IL (FEBRUARY 2, 2024) – For nearly 80 years, the Priester family name has meant committed excellence in aviation services and customer-focused relationships. As the family-run company expands to include businesses with similar values, it announces that a legacy name from its rich history is returning to represent the overall business structure.
George J. Priester Aviation will serve as the larger corporate name for the family of aviation service companies throughout the country. This includes Priester Aviation as its Midwest base, Mayo Aviation as its Rocky Mountain West base, and Hill Private Aviation, its Southeast base. George J. Priester Aviation, named for the company’s founder, will serve as the parent company for future business and expansion initiatives while the three companies will retain their individual names for customer services and signage.
“For years, we’ve worked to uphold and build upon the legacy that my grandfather created and my father expanded,” George J. Priester Aviation Chairman and CEO Andy Priester said. “It matters to us that the branding and story behind our parent company unites our businesses while honoring the pillars on which all companies were founded: a focus on relationships and a steadfast commitment to our clients.”
George J. Priester Aviation was the original name dating back to 1945 when the company began as a flight training school for military veterans. Today, George J. Priester Aviation, through its three companies, provides aircraft management, charter and maintenance services.
The George J. Priester Aviation brand includes a stylized icon representing the family’s 1944 Beechcraft Staggerwing, which George bought in 1953 shortly after purchasing what became Palwaukee Airport, now Chicago Executive Airport. A large black-and-white photo displayed at its headquarters shows the Priester family – including a young Charlie, who became the company’s second-generation leader – in front of the Staggerwing, tail number N5400N.
“It’s critically important that the family of companies maintains what makes them special: building relationships,” Priester said. “It’s why the Mayo family has connected with customers in the Rocky Mountain region and why Guy Hill Sr. and Jr. have been an aviation mainstay in Atlanta. Being part of a larger George J. Priester Aviation organization allows people to immediately see the connection to a group with the nationwide resources and capabilities to serve their aviation needs anywhere.”
George J. Priester Aviation manages more than 80 aircraft among its companies and operates charter service globally through its bases and partnerships. Mayo Aviation is an award-winning FAA Part 145 maintenance repair station, offering around-the-clock support.
About George J. Priester Aviation
George J. Priester Aviation is among the world’s most experienced global private aviation companies, specializing in aircraft management and private travel solutions. With over 75 years of experience, it is among the elite private aircraft management companies that hold the highest safety accreditations including the ARGUS Platinum rating, Wyvern approval, IS-BAO Stage III and Air Charter Safety Foundation certifications. It serves as the parent company for Priester Aviation, Mayo Aviation and Hill Private Aviation.