TLC Jet expanding services with Privaira acquisition
Charter broker TLC Jet is acquiring Part 135 and 91 operator Privaira as it continues its service expansion.
The deal brings Privaira’s six Part 135 aircraft and managed Part 91 fleet to TLC’s expanded facilities at Fort Lauderdale Executive airport, where the firm is adding a dedicated hangar.
Operationally, the jets will become core inventory for TLC Jet charter clients, gaining priority access and instant pricing.
“We have been looking for a Part 135 operator to help us bring that TLC philosophy to aircraft management and operations,” Justin Firestone (pictured below), founder and CEO of TLC Jet tells us. “Now, we have a best-in-class on-demand charter organisation, operations, aircraft management and MRO [via Toledo Jet] under one umbrella, with locations in the Midwest at KTOL and South Florida at KFXE.”
The goal is to enhance the service Privaira clients are accustomed to as the company becomes “powered by TLC”, according to Firestone.
“Existing Privaira owners and charter clients will continue working with the same pilots, maintenance teams and account managers they know and trust. Contracts remain in force, pricing stays the same or improves, and clients now gain access to TLC Jet’s broader network, instant-booking technology, Starlink-equipped options, and concierge services.
As noted, the acquisition will retain all of Privaira’s pilots, mechanics and client-facing staff. According to Firestone, the combined company creates more career opportunities, cross-training and growth paths.
“In fact, we are currently hiring across all segments of TLC Jet, including charter sales, account managers for managed aircraft and MRO sales,” he said.
Branding will evolve gradually to TLC Jet throughout 2026, but the immediate priority is enhancing the Privaira services with the “TLC experience”.
The companies have already begun planning the operational integration. While regulatory approval is the gating item, Firestone expects this to close “very soon”. Aircraft relocation and hangar fit-out will begin immediately upon closing. The full acquisition and integration is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026.
Firestone said TLC Jet projects exceeding a $100m revenue run rate in 2026, offering coast-to-coast maintenance capability (Midwest and South Florida), and providing clients both on-demand charter flexibility with guaranteed in-house aircraft.
Since founding TLC Jet earlier this year, Firestone said his mantra has been, “How can we TLC this?”
“As a nod to Ritz Carlton co-founder Horst Schulze, we are empowering our staff to make on-the-spot decisions to resolve issues or enhance the journey without needing management approval,” he explained. “I firmly believe this empowerment strategy of trusting our front line team will drive a better culture of service by creating an internal environment absent of micromanagement and strict control.”
The deal moves TLC Jet “decisively” into the top tier of South Florida operators, said Firestone. FXE is already one of the 25 busiest private jet airports in the US; adding Privaira’s Boca and West Palm clientele gives the company “critical mass” in the busiest private aviation corridor in the world, he added.
Looking ahead, Firestone said he believes in three to five years, TLC expects to be a top-10 US operator and management company by fleet size, with a national MRO footprint.
“We aim to be the go-to brand for travellers who want excellent aircraft, instant booking and no membership or pre-paid deposit lock-in,” he said. “This transaction is the inflection point that makes that vision a reality.”
