The private aviation sector has grown steadily over the past few years as corporations and affluent individuals seek convenient alternatives to traditional airlines. Market data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics reveal that business jet flights throughout North America increased by over 15 percent from 2018 to 2023, indicating a broader trend toward on-demand and fractional ownership offerings. In this climate, a few new operators have gained traction despite competition from established brands. One such operator is Prima Air, which has built an international presence in less than ten years through acquisition, diversified services, and safety.
Prima Air commenced operations in March 2019, with its base located at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California. Established by entrepreneur Lina Tullberg, the firm entered the market with a structure that transcended single-service charter flying. From the outset, Prima Air offers on-demand private jet charters, aircraft sales and management, and maintenance services. This range generated multiple revenue streams during a period when most small operators relied almost entirely on flight hours for income.
The milestone was achieved in 2021, when Pasaca Capital LLC, a private equity firm founded by Charles Huang, acquired Prima Air. The acquisition created financial support that allowed the company to move beyond local expansion goals. Pasaca assisted in establishing Prima Air Group in 2022 as the holding entity and in putting in place an infrastructure to enable further growth and investment. Prima Air Group subsequently acquired Pegasus Elite Aviation, a reputable U.S. charter and aircraft management operator, in the same year. The acquisition provided fleet capacity and long-standing industry relationships, giving Prima Air greater depth in a legacy-carrier-dominated marketplace with a rich heritage.
The operational range has been expanded even longer since those acquisitions. Prima Air has bases at Van Nuys Airport and Hollywood Burbank Airport in California, Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, Opa-locka Executive Airport in Florida, and Harry Reid International Airport in Nevada. Prima Air also maintains offices in Asia, including the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre, demonstrating its dedication to supporting international customers and flying cross-Pacific routes. These locations place Prima Air at strategic centers of private flying, from the active channels of America’s East Coast to the growing markets of Eastern Asia.
The acquisition of Pegasus Elite Aviation not only brought new aircraft but also technological distinction. In 2024, Pegasus Elite became the first operator to equip a Bombardier Global 5000 business jet with Starlink satellite internet, utilizing a Federal Aviation Administration-approved Supplemental Type Certificate. This action garnered attention in aviation publications, demonstrating that Prima Air Group and its subsidiary were prepared to adopt new technology that could shape customer expectations in the business. The facility enabled customers to enjoy high-speed, low-latency internet access comparable to domestic or office connections, which most industry experts consider a standard for future long-range private flights.
Industry and regulatory awards have supported Prima Air’s safety and service reputation. Pegasus Elite Aviation was awarded the Los Angeles World Airports’ Friendly Flyer Award in 2023 and 2024. The award is presented for strict adherence to noise-abatement procedures and superior customer service at one of the busiest private aviation centers in the United States. In addition, the subsidiary is WYVERN Wingman-certified and ARGUS Platinum-rated, two designations that require it to undergo regular audits of its operating procedures, crew training, and maintenance. These ratings are industry-quoted benchmarks of best practices, used by corporate flight departments and private clients.
Prima Air’s diversified portfolio remains at the heart of the company. In addition to charter flights, the company offers jet card membership and fractional aircraft ownership programs. It engages in leasing and purchasing aircraft and provides services for owners who wish to offset costs by placing their planes on charter when not in use. Its management and maintenance divisions handle regulatory matters, flight crew schedules, and mechanical assistance for individual owners and corporate fleets. These operations diversify the company’s income streams, preventing customers from seeking alternatives. For an industry often plagued by volatile fuel prices and economic cycles, such diversification is a measure of stability.
Company growth is reflected in broader trends within the private aviation industry. According to a study by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, worldwide business jet deliveries in 2023 surpassed 730 units, the highest level since the global financial crisis. Analysts attribute both corporate business needs and increased individual demand to the post-COVID-19 pandemic. Prima Air took advantage of these circumstances and positioned itself to compete in the long term by investing in technology, globalizing the business, and maintaining a very high level of safety.
As of 2025, Prima Air remains a diversified private aviation services company serving clients worldwide with a comprehensive range of aviation solutions. Its launch in strategic markets, regulatory certification by aviation authorities, and early use of satellite connectivity have made it one of the top private operators to arise in the late 2010s and early 2020s. While still comparatively new to most of its competitors, the company has achieved sufficient awareness and credibility in the market to become a notable player in the debate over the future of private aviation.
From its founding by Lina Tullberg in 2019 to where it stands today, the firm has stood for significant expansion in the innovative industry. By merging operations, embracing technology, and following uncompromising safety standards, Prima Air has become a leading name in the fast-changing realm of private aviation.
