ProJet Aviation Celebrates Major Milestone with Sale of Leesburg FBO to Kuhn Jet Center

Monday, July 29, 2024

ProJet Aviation, a prominent name in private aviation since 2007, is thrilled to announce the successful sale of its flight support services (FBO) and facilities at Leesburg Executive Airport to Kuhn Jet Center. This transaction marks ProJet’s second successful business line sale since 2016, following Jet Linx’s acquisition of ProJet’s aircraft management and charter contracts.

“For the past 14 years, ProJet has been honored to serve as an ambassador for the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County, Virginia, where we have cultivated an award-winning reputation for operational integrity, safety, and hospitality,” said Shye Gilad, ProJet Aviation’s Cofounder and CEO.

ProJet has had the honor of welcoming pilots, passengers, servicemembers, and VIP guests from around the world to the DC Metro Region, including U.S. Presidents, diplomats, and government officials.

“I am incredibly proud of our dedicated team of aviation professionals,” said Gilad, “whose relentless pursuit of excellence helped transform Leesburg Executive Airport from a little-known local airfield to a private jet destination of choice, significantly contributing to the community’s growth and prestige.”

ProJet, one of the largest employers at the airport, has increased transient jet fuel sales by over 300% between 2011 and 2021. This growth in tourism has significantly boosted the local economy. According to the Virginia Department of Aviation’s 2016 Economic Impact Study, the Leesburg airport contributes over $121 million in economic activity and supports 586 jobs with an annual payroll of $56 million.

ProJet Aviation has consistently been recognized as one of the Top 25 FBOs in the United States, based on the Pilot’s Choice Awards survey of over 150,000 pilots, and ranked in the Top 3 in the northeast region four times between 2014-2018. In 2022, ProJet was honored as the FBO of the Year by Paragon Aviation Group from a portfolio of over 90 locations worldwide.

Megan Barnes, Founder of Paragon Aviation Group, stated, “ProJet Aviation’s vast accomplishments are a testament to the exceptional leadership team who consistently worked hard to create an outstanding experience for their staff and every customer.”

The company’s journey is highlighted by numerous regional honors, including being named Service Business of the Year by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Washington Business Journal, and twice receiving the Town of Leesburg’s Ambassador Award. ProJet has consistently hosted community-building events to support education, career development, charitable organizations, and small business owners.

“Since the day the company began operations at Leesburg Executive Airport, the ProJet Aviation team has demonstrated a tireless and unwavering commitment to supporting the greater Leesburg and Loudoun County communities,” said Tony Howard, President and CEO of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce. “ProJet’s CEO, Shye Gilad, has been a generous and consistent supporter of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce and the businesses and nonprofits we serve. Under his leadership, ProJet Aviation has truly defined what it means to be a Community Leader.”

One of ProJet’s most remarkable achievements is the development and support of the Aviation Education and Career Expo. Since awarding its first scholarship in 2009, this initiative has granted over $1.5 million in scholarships to students from the Mid-Atlantic Region and beyond, nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals.

“We are deeply grateful for the support from our aviation community and education partners, who have made life-changing contributions to our country’s youth and launched thousands of aviation and aerospace careers,” said Gilad.

“As we transition our services, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of our legacy. We wish the town of Leesburg, Kuhn Jet Center, and the Leesburg Executive Airport community good luck with this next chapter, and we hope the future brings you all you deserve. To our team members, customers, supply partners, and especially our families and friends – your support and collaboration have been the cornerstone of our success. Thank you for your unwavering support and for being part of our remarkable journey.”

Tags: Airline News, FBO, flight support services, Jet Linx, Kuhn Jet Center, private aviation, ProJet Aviation, Travel News