The Free Press

Subsidiary to expand private business jet operations

January 21, 2010

Delta AirElite, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, announced the purchase of Kinston-based Segrave Aviation late Wednesday afternoon. The all-cash transaction will double the size of the Delta AirElite fleet. A press release did not reveal what Delta paid for Segrave.

The company hopes to improve Web-based booking and the travel experience for fleet membership card and charter customers. The transaction is subject to approval by regulatory authorities and customary closing conditions.

“This is an excellent opportunity to couple Delta AirElite’s award-winning product and scheduling flexibility with Segrave’s leadership in online flight management and operations control,” Delta Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Business Development Wayne Aaron said. “The Segrave acquisition supports Delta’s strategy to offer differentiated products and service to our high value customers.”

Segrave Aviation began operations in 1994 in Kinston. Today, it directs a fleet of managed aircraft specializing in wholesale charter aviation services, private aircraft management, aircraft maintenance and fixed base operations.

“Coupling Delta’s world-renowned brand and reputation for service with Segrave’s history as an innovator in private jet operations is a natural fit for the customers who have long counted on Segrave and Delta AirElite,” said Jim Segrave of Segrave Aviation. “All of us at Segrave look forward to our new partnership with Delta and the opportunity to grow this exciting segment of Delta’s business.”