Ocean Aviation acquires FBO National Jets
National Jets was launched in 1947 in Durham, North Carolina. In 1960 the company was reincorporated in Florida and moved to Fort Lauderdale’s International Airport.
Kennedy Lewis Investment Management-backed Ocean Aviation has acquired Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport-based fixed-base operator (FBO) National Jets.
The deal marks Ocean Aviation’s second commitment alongside its greenfield development at Miami Executive Airport. According to a press release, National Jets will continue to operate under its established name and there will be no change for existing tenants, clients and staff. Although “significant” redevelopment and expansion is planned.
Romain Grosjean, chairman, Ocean Aviation said: “National Jets has built an outstanding reputation over more than six decades at Fort Lauderdale, and we are honoured to carry that legacy forward. This is a market we believe in deeply, and we will invest in the facility, the team and the experience accordingly. Combined with our development at Miami Executive Airport, Ocean Aviation is now developing two of the premier private aviation gateways in South Florida, with a clear mandate to set a new standard for the FBO experience in this market.”
Ocean Aviation was established in 2024 with the execution of a 40-year, 40-acre ground lease at Miami Executive Airport. It plans to build an FBO facility offering up to 400,000sqft of hangar space, a premium terminal and a fuel farm.
The acquisition of National Jets adds an operating FBO with an approximately 20-acre leasehold, established customer relationships and “significant untapped development potential”.
Ocean Aviation said it will immediately commence a phased redevelopment of the National Jets facility. The initial programme includes a large communal hangar and two private hangars, an FBO terminal with executive offices and a new fuel farm. Once fully developed, the expanded facility is projected to reach over 150,000sqft of hangar capacity, more than six times its current footprint.
David Chene, managing partner, Kennedy Lewis Investment Management said: “This acquisition reflects our conviction in the South Florida market and our commitment to building Ocean Aviation into the preeminent premium FBO platform in the region. Kennedy Lewis was founded to provide flexible capital solutions to companies at pivotal moments, and Ocean Aviation exemplifies that mission. We appreciate the opportunity to work alongside Miami-Dade and Broward counties to build lasting infrastructure in supply-constrained, high-growth markets. These two world-class aviation assets will drive job creation and economic growth across South Florida for decades to come.”
The existing facility will remain fully operational during the first phase with no expected impact to service.
