News

The current aircraft market leaves buyers with countless used aircraft to select from. Each make and model brings different performance specifications, characteristics, and prices. Buying a plane can mean the difference between a long-term transportation mode and an expensive dust collector. Don’t navigate the aircraft acquisition process alone and undirected! Here’s our guide on how to buy a plane and how aircraft acquisition services can help.

How to Buy a Plane: Our 6-Step Guide

Step 1: Designate Your Budget

Whether you’re pursuing new or used aircraft, the price range is drastic. For example, a new general aviation jet costs upwards of $1 million, but some used single-engine propeller planes can go for under $40,000.

Whether you are looking for a Cessna Citation CJ2, Embraer Phenom 300, single-engine, or twin-engine propellor aircraft, you’ll need to craft a realistic budget for the aircraft make and model you want and your financial situation. From there, you can begin narrowing your options.

Step 2: Start Your Searches

Although you have a general direction regarding the make, model, or aircraft type you intend to buy, the next step is to find what is actually on the market and available for purchase.

Recommended avenues to search include:

• J.A. Flight
• AVBuyer
• GlobalAir.com

Unless you plan to buy a plane with cash, ask your financing and insurance companies for any restrictions pertaining to which types of aircraft you can buy. This might impact your search.

Step 3: Apply for a Loan (If Not Paying in Cash)

The next step is to apply for a loan with a trusted and approved lender for buyers who cannot buy a plane with cash. To help prove to the lender your intent to buy an airplane and promptly, it’s highly recommended to have a pre-approval letter. Also, compare lenders to see which offers the best financing in correlation to your credit rating.

According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, some lenders specialize in aircraft loans. Many of these lenders are members of the National Aircraft Finance Association. For single-engine planes, aircraft lenders will require at least a 15% down payment on aircraft built after 1960 and 20% for aircraft built before. Additionally, loan terms range from 5 to 20 years, with 20 years only available on loans of $75,000 and above, at rates between 4.38% and 7%.

Step 4: Take Test Flights

So long as you have the proper licensure to operate an aircraft, take a test flight with any aircraft you are sincerely interested in buying! Although this step seems obvious, some buyers might feel confident taking the seller’s verbal confirmation that everything works just fine. However, like test driving a car or looking at a home for sale, you want your own experience to help decide if you should buy or keep looking.

Step 5: Complete Pre-Purchase Inspection

Before buying any aircraft, it is important to know as much about the make, model, and condition as possible. To best gauge the aircraft’s value for purchase, request a comprehensive or straightforward pre-purchase inspection.

The money spent on a pre-purchase inspection can be well worth the price compared to the size of your investment and the potential for loss. Although sellers may be wary of a pre-buy inspection, buyers should undoubtedly insist on one to avoid unexpected expenses later.

With the full reports, the buyer then has the liberty to decide whether to require the current owners and make any repairs before taking the aircraft’s final delivery. Remember, after the close of a transaction, buyers are unlikely to convince previous owners to pay for repairs.

Step 6: Prepare Your Offer

After finding your plane, clearing your finances with your lender (or checkbook), and thoroughly inspecting the aircraft, you’re at the final step: putting in your offer! Remember, before offering anything to the seller, verify the plane’s value with an unbiased, third-party who can accurately gauge if the asking price is fair.

Buy a Plane with Aircraft Acquisition Services at J.A. Air

With the countless aircraft models and options, it can be easy to feel intimidated by such a big decision quickly. That’s why at J.A. Air, we strive to be your aircraft acquisition experts!

When looking through the numerous aircraft for sale in the marketplace, wouldn’t it be nice to know the cost to install the latest and greatest avionics equipment, or what ADSB equipment is most compatible with the aircraft you’re looking at? What about what it would take to replace the carpet and do sidewalls? How do you know if the wing bolts really need replacing? From single-engine piston aircraft to small jets, the value of having an experienced and qualified staff is important. With J.A. Air, we become your partner in the process.

Our team is knowledgeable, licensed, and factory-trained. Contact us today for any of your aircraft acquisition and inspection needs, questions, or if you are looking to have a new avionics system installed. We are excited to work with you and get your plane ready to fly the skies in no time!

Today’s varied aircraft market leaves buyers with a dizzying number of options. Each make and model has different performance specifications, characteristics, and price. Buying the right aircraft can mean the difference between useful, long-term transportation and a veritable dust collector. Therefore, it is pivotal to complete a successful, pre-purchase inspection. Below, we explore why pre-purchase inspections are an essential step in aircraft acquisition.

Aircraft Acquisition: Top Questions to Ask

Before buying any aircraft, it is important to know as much about the make, model, and condition as possible. To best gauge the aircraft’s value for purchase, consider these reflection questions below:

• Is now the right time to buy an aircraft?
• What are all my available aircraft options?
• Is the pricing for this specific aircraft appropriate?

If you still feel confident in this purchase, it is best to make sure you know the most current information concerning the aircraft’s condition and completed maintenance tasks. Ask the seller the following:

• Who performed the last annual inspection?
• Who performed the overhaul, and are they reputable?
• Are all A.D.’s complied with?
• Is there a damage history on the aircraft?
• Are there any liens against the aircraft?
• What financing is available?

The Value of Pre-Purchase Inspections

Pre-purchase inspections are a pivotal component of aircraft acquisition as it determines the legitimacy and value of the transaction. The money spent on a pre-purchase inspection can be well worth the price compared to the size of your investment and the potential for loss.

Although sellers may be wary of a pre-buy inspection, buyers should undoubtedly insist on one to avoid unexpected expenses later. With the full reports, the buyer then has the liberty to decide whether to require the current owners and make any repairs before taking the final delivery of the aircraft. After the close of a transaction, buyers are unlikely to convince previous owners to pay for repairs.

Who Performs It?

It is crucial to request your pre-purchase inspection from an unbiased yet trustworthy mechanic. As a cardinal rule, do not have the pre-purchase inspection conducted by the mechanic who currently or previously maintained the aircraft. There is no incentive for the current mechanic to point out problems with their existing customer’s aircraft.

Have the inspection done at a neutral facility by a trusted inspector who is interested in protecting you. Additionally, find a mechanic familiar with the make and model of the aircraft up for consideration. Doing so will help generate a more thorough inspection that will catch more potential pitfalls.

What Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Include?

Although the buyer can request a simple or comprehensive pre-purchase inspection, we recommend completing the following steps to gather the most information before solidifying your investment.

• A complete aircraft visual inspection, nose to tail (equivalent to an annual-type inspection).
• A borescope inspection of each engine followed by a disassembly if any questionable findings need to be verified.
• Logbook chronology search: all records are in possession from birth to current.
• A complete logbook verification for each inspection required by the inspection program recommended by the manufacturers of the aircraft, engines, propellers, and appliances.
• Logbook verification for airworthiness limitations, recommended overhauls and replacements of components, and parts of the aircraft.
• A complete logbook verification for all FAA Airworthiness Directives, including appliance ADs, applicable to the aircraft.
• Paint and interior verification of all burn certifications for interior components replaced since the aircraft was new. All flight controls removed and balanced following paint, and all interior and exterior placards installed as required by the type certificate data sheet for the aircraft.
• Complete logbook verification to find any possible damage to the aircraft that could affect the value (gear up landing, corrosion repair, major skin damage repair, etc.) as well as proper documentation (FAA form 337), including instruction for continued airworthiness, for every major change to type design (major alteration) or major repair.

What Happens if the Aircraft Fails the Pre-Purchase Inspection?

Our ultimate desire is for all aircraft acquisitions to be a seamless transaction in which the aircraft passes the pre-purchase inspection without any hesitation. However, in the event the mechanic reports a failing inspection of either the aircraft’s condition or documentation, you might be wondering what is next.

Simply put, it is better and safer to restart the aircraft acquisition process by searching for other alternatives. If an aircraft looks great from nose to tail but you discover that it has untrustworthy documentation, it may not be worth the investment only to later discover you are breaking compliance and facing severe fines. As a final rule of judgment, investigate any issues to determine if there lies an easy fix or if your time and resources are best spent elsewhere.

Aircraft Acquisition Services at J.A. Air

With the countless aircraft models and options, it can be easy to feel intimidated by such a big decision quickly. That is why at J.A. Air, we strive to be your aircraft acquisition experts!

When looking through the numerous aircraft for sale in the marketplace, wouldn’t it be nice to know the cost to install the latest and greatest avionics equipment, or what ADSB equipment is most compatible with the aircraft you are looking at? What about what it would take to replace the carpet and do sidewalls? How do you know if the wing bolts really need replacing? From single-engine piston aircraft to small jets, the value of having an experienced and qualified staff is important. With J.A. Air, we become your partner in the process.  Our team is knowledgeable, licensed, and factory-trained. 

Contact us today for any of your aircraft acquisition and inspection needs, questions, or if you are looking to have a new avionics system installed. We are excited to work with you and get your plane ready to fly the skies in no time!

Selling an aircraft comes with heavy responsibilities. Each interested buyer will want to know every detail about the aircraft: its specific flight, service, maintenance, and technological histories. However, answering numerous questions, researching market competition, developing advertising, and spreading the word is far too time-consuming for many hectic corporate and personal schedules. Have you wondered, “What are aircraft brokerage services and how can they help?” Below, we provide an overview behind the purpose of aircraft brokerage services and how they can help streamline the process of selling your aircraft.

What are Aircraft Brokerage Services?

Like a real estate agent, an aircraft brokerage is a company that partners with buyers and sellers of business jets or turboprops, along with their team of representatives, to complete the sale or purchase of an aircraft. In most cases, an aircraft broker is commonly involved in the entire transaction process, from initial discussions through to the close of an aircraft sale.

Top 3 Aircraft Brokerage Benefits

There are many benefits to entrusting the sale of your aircraft to experts in the industry. Below, we explore the three greatest advantages to partnering with an aircraft brokerage service.

#1. Detailed Market Analysis & Accurate Price Benchmarking

When your schedule is flooded with other commitments and priorities, it can feel inundating to independently perform a detailed market analysis to compare other aircrafts currently on the market. Like selling real estate, it is important to gauge what other sellers are valuing their aircrafts at. Is your aircraft in greater or poorer condition compared to similar listings?

To alleviate some of the pressure, aircraft brokerage services can take this weight off your shoulders. With access to thousands of aircraft listings across the globe, they can effectively, efficiently, and easily create a detailed market analysis that provides a realistic selling strategy for your aircraft.

#2. Generate Global Advertising & Increase Digital Exposure

To effectively sell or purchase an aircraft in a timely manner, it is helpful when you acquire access to a global registry of advertisements. As an additional benefit to parenting with aircraft brokerage services, the brokerage can develop domestic and international advertising campaigns to ensure that your listing (if selling) reaches the world or that you find the perfect aircraft (if purchasing) from across the globe.

Furthermore, aircraft brokers are also experts in spearheading massive local exposure for those wishing to sell their aircraft. They do so by increasing digital exposure by promoting your aircraft listing across every national and international web service.

#3. Price Negotiation and Sales Navigation

Do you feel uncomfortable in negotiating the sale of your aircraft or the purchase of a new one? An aircraft brokerage can be to your advantage! Aircraft brokerage services often include the negotiation of price and terms of the sale.

Furthermore, brokerages also draft and provide sales agreements in partnership with escrows leading up to the closing. As a result, you will have a team of licensed experts who will help you navigate the specifics of the aircraft sale.

Aircraft Brokerage Services at J.A. Air

We understand the importance of selling your aircraft in a timely manner and for the right value. J.A. Air offers a brokerage option that saves time and money.

Our team is knowledgeable, licensed, and factory trained. Asking J.A. Air’s brokerage services to work on your behalf in the sales process means a team of experts is responsible for the details, including:

• Performing a detailed market analysis of comparable aircraft currently for sale
• Assisting with accurate pricing
• Developing domestic and international advertising
• Spearheading massive local exposure as well as advertising in all of the national and international web services.
• Negotiation of price and terms of the sale as well as providing sales agreements and working through escrow for closing.

Contact us today for any of your aviation needs or questions. We are excited to work with you and get your plane ready to fly the skies in no time!

After the global impact of the Coronavirus, nearly every industry went back to the drawing board. How could they provide a safe and clean environment for their consumers? Especially with COVID-19 in relation to air travel, many travelers are asking if it is safe to go. Therefore, it is more important now than ever to invest in premium aircraft detailing services to maintain compliance with CDC guidelines. Below, we explore the importance behind detailing both the interior and exterior of your aircraft, regardless if meant for private or commercial use.

What Is Aircraft Detailing?

Aircraft detailing consists of cleaning both the exterior and interior of an aircraft to restore it to like-new condition. Like any detailing job, aircraft detailing requires specialist knowledge, tools, and products to clean each aircraft at a professional standard.

The 6 Golden Rules of Aircraft Detailing

Regardless of what aircraft a company is detailing, there are six common rules to work in tandem with:

• Never use any type of power washer on an aircraft.
• Never use any household products, only specialty products.
• Be extremely careful with power buffers and avoid automotive orbital buffers.
• Always use the gentlest compound required to remove stains and oxidation.
• Take your time.
• Be sure to check the rules at your airport before you begin washing.

Aircraft Interior Detailing Services

Cleaning the interior of an aircraft seems simple, right? Although there appears to be few components of the aircraft cabin (seats, windows, aisles, seat buckles, etc.), you would be surprised with how many compartments are high-touch areas that require a thorough sanitation and detailing. Below is a comprehensive list summarizing all that interior aircraft detailing services encompasses.

Complete Interior Detail

A thorough interior cleaning and detailing process is truly a first-class service. To begin, all the carpeting and upholstery are both vacuumed and then dry cleaned or extracted (depending on the material.) Then, all surfaces are cleaned, sanitized, and detailed. Next, all wood and trim elements are effectively sanitized and polished.

Afterward, all leather seating and material are both cleaned and conditioned. Furthermore, galleys and lavatories, or “lavs,” are cleaned and sanitized. Finally, the cockpits are meticulously cleaned, sanitized, and detailed. Upon request, cabin entries and instrument panels can also be cleaned and detailed.

Dry Cleaning Carpet & Upholstery

Aircraft detailing involves the unique dry-cleaning process of cleaning and sanitizing carpet and upholstery without the use of steam or water, which can be damaging to some materials like wool.

Carpet & Upholstery Extraction

To help get carpeting and upholstery both deep cleaned and looking their best, detailing services also offer a steam extraction process This service is a great option for high traffic areas.

Stain Removal

If a stain can be removed, the best time for it to happen is during an interior aircraft detailing service. Aircraft detailers are masters at stain removal, successfully removing stains and blemishes caused by spilled coffee, wine, ink, soda, food, gum, and biological fluids. However, for optimal results, time is critical for easy removal.

Wood & Trim Polishing

Simple and straightforward, wood polishing services and products help maximize the interior cabin’s shine while resisting fingerprints and dust. Although airlines love leaving a great impression for passengers, dust and fingerprints aren’t the way to go about it. 

Leather Cleaning & Conditioning

Leather cleaning and conditioning services are a great way to maintain the look, feel color, and smell of an aircraft’s fine leather upholstery. Additionally, regularly scheduled cleaning and conditioning help to extend the longevity and aesthetic of your leather for years to come.

Lavatory & Gallery Sanitation

Lavatory and galley cleaning and sanitation services will ensure the safety of your passengers from illness due to spoiled food or biological contaminants.

Aircraft Exterior Detailing Services

Exterior aircraft detailing services extend far beyond a simple wash and dry. As the exterior of an aircraft faces all the elements, it deserves an expansive detailing service. Below is a comprehensive list summarizing all that exterior aircraft detailing services encompasses.

Wet Wash

Wet washing ensures that the entire exterior of the aircraft is completely clean and free of debris. Upon completion, the aircraft is dry and spot free. This service is highly recommended for any aircrafts that have been exposed to harsh or corrosive conditions, especially saltwater areas.

Dry Wash

As an environmentally friendly technique, dry washing completely cleans the entire exterior of the aircraft without water while leaving a beautiful shine. Due to most airport environmental restrictions, this service tends to be the most popular wash technique.

Exterior Wax

Regular exterior wax applications will not only keep your aircraft looking great and protect your paint, but it will also greatly bolster the life of the paint. All waxes applied to the exterior are both aircraft approved and silicone free.

Exterior Paint Rejuvenation (Machine Buff and Polish)

Is the exterior paint looking dull? Machine-polishing aircraft detailing services are recommended for paint that is either oxidized or faded. This service restores and seals the paint for protection and helps to reduce parasitic drag, a fantastic alternative to having the aircraft repainted.

Once the aircraft is machine-buffed, detailers will then hand-polish the aircraft to bring the high gloss finish back to the paint. Even very old paint can usually be brought back to looking like new.

Cleaning Undercarriage Bays

When considering all the components of an aircraft that require extensive cleaning, not many refer to the undercarriage bays. However, the undercarriage bays need specialist attention. In fact, they are an essential component to keep clean as they aid the detection of any hydraulic leaks and help ensure the integrity of any electrical connections.

In areas where water use is permitted, the cleaning process normally entails the use of a heavy-duty alkali cleaner. In such instances, after cleaning, it may be beneficial to treat the whole area with a water-displacing fluid such as ARDROX 3961. Doing so not only drives away any water but also leaves a protective film on the surface. To further protect the undercarriage bays, aircraft detailers would then lubricate the equipment to prevent machine malfunctions.

Brightwork Metal Polishing

Polishing Brightwork is an art that few have mastered. However, some aircraft detailing services specialize in the metal polishing process. Leading edges, Engine Inlets, Thrust Reversers and Propeller Spinners alike are all polished to a mirror finish. Furthermore, even scratches and gouges can be removed.

De-ice Boot Refurbishment

De-ice boot refurbishment consists of a 3-step process of stripping, conditioning, and sealing pneumatic de-ice boots. This aircraft detailing service will restore your boots to a high gloss shine while protecting them. Regular de-ice boot treatments will not only keep the boots looking their best but will also enhance their longevity and durability.

The Importance of Aircraft Detailing

An aircraft is a valuable investment that needs to be protected and well cared for. Keeping an aircraft’s exterior and interior clean is also an important part of maintenance upkeep. Therefore, routinely detailing your aircraft not only improves its cosmetic appearance but also provides a profitable return on investment with the following benefits:

• Prevents corrosion on an expensive paint job, extending the life of your paint
• Reduces drag which cuts fuel costs, and for some, even improves aircraft performance
• Protects your investment
• Increases resale value

Aircrafts are designed to have an in-service life exceeding 20 years. To achieve this, you must take care of every component from the overhaul and maintenance procedures followed throughout the plane’s lifetime.

Furthermore, maintaining a clean aircraft will aid in the detection of any problems, including leaks which may occur on the underside around hydraulic, water and overflow holes, and drains. Regularly scheduled aircraft detailing services will also inspire confidence in passengers about to board that the plane is well maintained.

Aircraft Detailing with J.A. Air

We understand the importance of keeping the health and safety of air crew and passengers as top priority. That’s why at J.A. Air, we strive to be your aircraft detailing and maintenance experts! Our on-demand trip ready service will ensure that your aircraft is looking great for the next flight. 

After giving your plane a thorough inspection, did you find any issues that need attention? Are there parts of your aircraft maintenance checklist that you may have glossed over? Bring your aircraft to us and we will perform an in-depth inspection and repair and issues that have been found by you or us. We have a variety of parts on hand and our shop allows your aircraft to be serviced with limited downtime.

Our team is knowledgeable, licensed, and factory trained. Contact us today for any of your maintenance needs, questions, or if you are looking to have a new avionics system installed. We are excited to work with you and get your plane ready to fly the skies in no time!

After nearly a year of the COVID-19 pandemic, wanderlust has grown increasingly strong, even among those who typically stay in their local area. When state and national borders were closed, many found themselves dreaming of—and even planning for—their next adventure abroad. However, now that federal regulations are opening additional flights to more destinations, many travelers are asking if it is safe to go. In the content below, we will look to current health and safety guidelines concerning the safety of air travel.

Air Travel During COVID-19: General Safety Precautions

Unless there are only a select few individuals onboard, it is nearly impossible to always remain six feet apart from other flight attendants and passengers while inside a plane. However, to best safeguard your health, the CDC reports that you must wear a mask throughout the duration of your travelling, from stepping foot into the airport until after you collect your belongings at baggage claim.

As an added safety precaution, some airlines may require taking your temperature before boarding. Furthermore, if you or your travel companions feel unwell, it is in everyone’s interest that you postpone your travel plans until everyone’s health is fully restored.

Additionally, refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and whenever possible, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. It is also important to note that due to your increased exposure to contaminated surfaces and larger crowds of people throughout the duration of your air travel, you may elevate your risk of getting COVID-19.

Travel Restrictions

Because certain states and cities have reported a higher volume of confirmed COVID-19 cases, there may be some travel restrictions put in place. As a result, if you live in a city with more cases (or are travelling to a city with a higher volume) yet are still allowed to travel outside your state, you will have to quarantine upon arrival to ensure you do not carry any symptoms of the virus. Additionally, upon returning home, you may also have to quarantine to ensure you were not exposed to the Coronavirus, helping reduce the risk of passing anything along to your friends, family, or community.

Safety Measures Taken for Airports

Airports around the world are easy targets for viruses to spread and impact thousands of travelers. With high-traffic areas and surfaces such as baggage claim carousels, handrails, bathroom stalls, seats, and stores, airports must work efficiently to protect the health of pilots, flight attendants, passengers, custodians, and other airport employees.

As a result of the heightened demands for sanitation, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) developed updated procedures for airports to follow that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 amidst air travel. The module series covers airport elements including:

• Terminal buildings
• General check-in areas and security checkpoints
• Terminal airside areas
• Terminal gate equipment
• Disembarking and arrival procedures
• Baggage claim
• Exiting the landside area

Safety Measures Taken for the Plane’s Interior

Like every other industry, air travel significantly enhanced their cleaning regime to kill any harmful bacteria that could spread on surfaces. Instead of completing a traditional aircraft maintenance checklist, the ICAO also released a series of aircraft modules that contain specific guidelines concerning:

• Boarding processes
• Seat assignments
• Baggage
• Onboard interaction
• Food and beverage service
• Lavatory access
• Crew Protection
• Management of sick passengers or crew members
• Cleaning and disinfection of the flight deck, cabin, and cargo compartment

Safety Measures Taken for the Crew

Every staff and crew member are important to the success of the aviation industry. As a result, it is paramount that their health and safety also be protected. Therefore, the ICAO also released a series of crew modules that contain specific guidelines concerning:

• General staff
• Flight crew
• Cabin crew
• Layover crew

Aircraft Maintenance at J.A. Air

We understand the importance of keeping the health and safety of air crew and passengers as top priority. That’s why at J.A. Air, we strive to be your aircraft maintenance experts!

After giving your plane a thorough inspection, did you find any issues that need attention? Are there parts of your aircraft maintenance checklist that you may have glossed over? Bring your aircraft to us and we will perform an in-depth inspection and repair and issues that have been found by you or us. We have a variety of parts on hand and our shop allows your aircraft to be serviced with limited downtime.

Our team is knowledgeable, licensed, and factory trained. Contact us today for any of your maintenance needs, questions, or if you are looking to have a new avionics system installed. We are excited to work with you and get your plane ready to fly the skies in no time!

J.A. Air Center Looks to Expand their Footprint in Chicago’s Western Suburbs

Signature Bank announced it has provided debt capital to J.A. Air Center to finance their expansion at the Aurora Municipal Airport. The tailored financing package will allow the 55-year-old company to leverage their
location in the western suburbs to expand beyond their original footprint.

J.A. Air Center is a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) that services both business and private aviation, offering fueling, aircraft maintenance, avionics, and more. With nearly 150,000 square feet, their state-of-the-art facility features a fully-appointed 11,000 square foot private terminal with a vintage car display, 100,000 square feet of heated hangar space capable of sheltering a G650, and a 15,500 square foot arrival canopy to protect their customers from the harsh Chicago elements. J.A.’s flight school, J.A. Flight Services is Chicago’s Premier Career Pilot Center offering collegiate and non-collegiate programs for those interested in becoming a professional pilot.

“Signature Bank is excited to help support the expansion of J.A. Air Center,” said Signature Bank Vice President, Dave Wymer. “This relationship represents our interest in the business and private aviation sector
and we feel that J.A. Air Center is one of the best FBOs in the country. With the Chicago area landlocked to the east, south and north, we feel that J.A. Air Center is well positioned for growth to the west.”

J.A. Air Center opened its doors as Joliet Avionics, an avionics shop in 1965 and has evolved into one of the largest independent FBOs in the United States. Located just outside O’Hare Airport’s airspace with only one stoplight between their facility and downtown Chicago, J.A. Air Center offers not only first-class service but also unmatched convenience for business aviation.

“The team from Signature has shown nothing but excitement and enthusiasm about J.A. Air Center and the industry in general,” said Scott England, Chief Financial Officer of J.A. Air Center. “We look forward to a long relationship with Signature as we continue to grow over the next 55 years.”

J.A. Air Center consistently ranks in the top ten FBOs in North America in Aviation International News, having won the #1 ranking three times since 2008. Signature Bank recently ranked as one of Inc. 5,000’s Fastest
Growing Companies in the U.S. and #14 on American Banker’s list of Best Banks to Work For in 2020.

_{Pictured, socially distant of course, from left to right: Brad Zeman, President of J.A. – Randy Fank, FBO Manager of J.A. – David Wymer, VP of Signature Bank – Nathan Dinger, SVP of Signature Bank – Bernie Klotz, Chairman of J.A. – Shalene England, CSR Manager of J.A. – Scott England, CFO of J.A. – Scott Fank, President of J.A. Flight Services – Bryan Duncan, Co-Founder of Signature Bank}

About Signature Bank

Signature Bank is a relationship-based commercial bank wholly owned by Signature Bancorporation, Inc., a privately funded, locally owned bank holding company founded in 2006. Headquartered in Rosemont, IL, Signature Bank provides accessible, strategic, and highly individualized commercial banking services to closely held companies, as well as full-service retail banking capabilities. Technology driven and well-capitalized, Signature Bank is currently the fastest growing, independently owned business bank in the Chicagoland area. Visit Signature Bank online at http://www.signaturebank.bank.

About J.A. Air Center

J.A. Air Center opened its doors as Joliet Avionics, an avionics shop in 1965 and has evolved into one of the largest independent FBOs in the country. J.A. is a one-stop shop for virtually all aviation needs, offering aircraft avionics, maintenance, brokerage, interiors, detailing, parts sales, flight training and charter.