Company Intelligence: Avpro

Company Name: Avpro, Inc.
Legal Name: Aviation Pro, Inc. (dba Avpro, Inc.)
Trading/Brand Name: Avpro
Primary Category: Aircraft Sales & Brokerage
Secondary Categories: Aircraft Acquisition; Aviation Consulting; Helicopter Brokerage
Company Type: Privately Held (Independent)
Industry: Business Aviation – Aircraft Brokerage & Consulting
Year Founded: 1991
Founder(s): Don Bass; Bob Rabbitt; Chris Ellis
Headquarters: Annapolis, Maryland, USA
Country: United States
Geographic Markets: Global (North America, Europe, Asia)
Official Website: avprojets.com
Company Status: Active; Ownership: Privately held, independent (no parent)
Subsidiaries: Avpro Helicopter (acquired Heli-Asset, Paris)
PrivateJetia Verification: Verified (based on company and industry sources)

Executive Company Overview

Avpro is an Annapolis, Maryland–based aircraft brokerage and consulting firm specializing in the sale and acquisition of business jets and helicopters. Founded in 1991 by industry veterans Don Bass, Bob Rabbitt, and Chris Ellis, Avpro exclusively advises clients on buying, selling, and financing aircraft. The company does not operate flights or provide charter/management services. Instead, Avpro leverages its global network and market intelligence to match clients (including Fortune 500 corporate flight departments, Forbes 400 families, and other high-net-worth individuals) with suitable pre-owned or new aircraft. It offers tailored solutions such as sourcing replacement aircraft or structuring short-term lease arrangements during maintenance or delivery delays.

Avpro’s sales expertise spans the full range of business aircraft, from light and midsize jets to large-cabin and ultra-long-range models, as well as turboprops and rotorcraft. The firm’s dedicated helicopter division (originating from its 2013 acquisition of Paris-based Heli-Asset) supports buyers and sellers of rotary-wing aircraft. Avpro positions itself as a “transaction insurance” partner: providing unbiased market data, advising on value, and only taking commissions when deals close. This client-first, no-upfront-fee approach and decades of industry experience (the principals collectively have over 80 years in aircraft sales) underpin the firm’s reputation in the private aviation market. Avpro serves a worldwide clientele through its U.S. base and regional offices, helping executives and owners navigate complex cross-border aircraft transactions.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Founded: 1991
• Headquarters: Annapolis, Maryland, USA
• Primary Business: Business aircraft brokerage – sales, acquisitions, and advisory
• Geographic Reach: International (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific)
• Annual Sales (gross): >$1.5 billion
• Transactions: ~90–100 aircraft sales per year
• Offices: 5 (Annapolis, MD; Portland, ME; Savannah, GA; Kansas City, KS; Paris, France – as of 2021)
• Employees: ≈25 (company-reported)
• Certification: Certified broker by International Aircraft Dealers Assoc. (IADA, formerly NARA)
• Clients: Fortune 500 corporations, Forbes 400 families, family offices, private owners, and UHNW individuals
• Key Services: Aircraft sales brokerage, acquisition consulting, lease structuring (for maintenance or delivery), helicopter transactions
• Website: avprojets.com

Services & Capabilities

Aircraft Brokerage & Sales: Avpro’s core service is brokering the purchase and sale of business aircraft. Its advisors represent clients looking to acquire specific jet or helicopter models and those seeking to sell their aircraft. The firm markets each aircraft, screens buyers, coordinates inspections/financing, and negotiates deal terms. Unlike many aviation companies, Avpro does not charge retainers or upfront fees; it earns a sales commission only upon successful closing.

Aircraft Acquisition Consulting: The company provides advisory support during aircraft acquisitions. This includes market research and valuation (leveraging proprietary market intelligence), coordinating pre-purchase inspections, negotiating purchase agreements, and arranging financing or trade-in aircraft through established lender relationships. Avpro emphasizes unbiased advice to help clients make informed buying or selling decisions.

Helicopter Sales & Remarketing: Through its Avpro Helicopter division, the firm offers similar brokerage services for rotorcraft. After acquiring helicopter broker Heli-Asset in 2013, Avpro has placed helicopters across the corporate and offshore markets. It has arranged exclusive OEM remarketing agreements for Airbus and Sikorsky models (e.g. EC135, S-92A), demonstrating specialized capability in high-end helicopter transactions.

Leasing & Trade-In Solutions: Avpro can arrange short-term aircraft leases or trade-ins to solve timing gaps. For example, if a client’s jet is grounded or delayed, Avpro sources a replacement aircraft under a lease or facilitates trading in an existing aircraft to expedite a new acquisition. The company has secured credit facilities with aviation financiers, allowing it to hold trade-in inventory and structure all-cash deals for sellers when needed.

International Transactions: With a global network and multilingual staff, Avpro handles cross-border deals. Its 2012 partnership with Asian Sky Group (China/Asia market specialist) and offices in the U.S. and Europe enable it to support clients worldwide. Capabilities include handling export/import documentation, coordinating international flights, and aligning deals with various regional regulations.

Market Research & Intelligence: Avpro positions itself as a “center of gravity” for market data. It maintains a current database of listings and transactions, enabling trend analysis and pricing guidance. This market expertise is a key capability in negotiating sales above market levels or sourcing purchases below fair value.

Industries & Client Types Served

Avpro’s services target the private and corporate aviation sector. Its client base includes:

• Corporate Flight Departments: Executives and corporations (including Fortune 500 firms) buying or selling business jets and turbo-props for corporate aviation programs.
• Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals & Family Offices: Wealthy private owners seeking or disposing of personal business aircraft.
• Aircraft Owners & Operators: Commercial charter companies or utility operators (e.g. medical transport, government contractors) needing brokerage services.
• Aircraft Brokers & Dealers: Other brokerage firms or traders who may co-list or buy aircraft through Avpro’s listings.
• Financial Institutions & Lessors: Aviation lenders and leasing firms that engage Avpro to value collateral, place trade-ins, or sell repossessed aircraft.
• OEMs & Manufacturers: Avpro’s helicopter remarketing deals suggest collaborations with Airbus Helicopters and Sikorsky for client sales programs.
• Regulatory/Industry Associations: Indirectly, as Avpro’s leadership participates in bodies like IADA, NBAA, and MEBAA.

Each client type relates to Avpro’s demonstrated expertise. For example, large corporations and HNW individuals are explicitly mentioned as clients. The absence of charter or management offerings suggests they focus exclusively on transactional clients rather than day-to-day operators or flight departments seeking full services.

Geographic Coverage

Headquarters: United States – Annapolis, Maryland
Additional Offices: Portland, Maine; Savannah, Georgia; Kansas City, Kansas; Paris, France (as of 2021)
Countries Served: Global – primary markets in USA, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East (international reach)
Regions: North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia-Pacific (through partnerships and offices)
Airports Served: Not limited to specific airports; serves private jet clients at major business aviation airports worldwide (e.g. DC area airports near Annapolis, international business hubs).
Operational Scope: Global/International. Avpro routinely brokerages aircraft to/from North America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia.

(No specific ICAO/IATA codes apply, as Avpro is a brokerage, not an air operator.)

Aircraft Expertise

Categories: Avpro brokers a wide range of business aviation categories. This includes Light & Midsize Jets (e.g. Cessna Citation, Embraer Phenom), Super-Midsize & Large Jets (e.g. Gulfstream G200/G450/G600, Bombardier Learjet/Challenger, Dassault Falcon 900 series), Ultra-Long-Range Jets (e.g. Bombardier Global 6000/7500) and Turboprops (e.g. Beechcraft King Air). In the rotorcraft category, Avpro handles Corporate Helicopters including models from Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) and Sikorsky.

Manufacturers: Key brands include Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer, Textron Aviation (Cessna/Beechcraft), Airbus Helicopters, and Sikorsky. Avpro has completed deals involving many of these OEMs’ aircraft, as evidenced by its current listings and past remarketing agreements. For example, it has marketed Gulfstream business jets and negotiated Airbus/Sikorsky helicopter partnerships.

Models: Avpro’s listings (as of 2026) include high-end models such as the Gulfstream G600, Bombardier Global 6000, Dassault Falcon 900LX, Embraer Phenom 300, and Cessna Citation XLS. These examples illustrate the firm’s active involvement with large cabin and super-midsize jets, reflecting a focus on professional and corporate aircraft.

Fleet Information

Avpro does not operate its own fleet of aircraft. It is a sales and consulting firm rather than a charter or management company. Therefore:

• Total Fleet Size: N/A (Avpro does not own or lease aircraft)
• Managed Aircraft: N/A (no management services offered)
• Charter Fleet: N/A (no charter operations)
• Owned Aircraft: None (broker-only firm)
• Aircraft Categories: N/A (brokerage focus)
• Major Manufacturers / Models: N/A (broker, but deals with wide range of OEMs as above)

All aircraft details and availability are client inventory or third-party listings, not a company-operated fleet. For example, AvBuyer lists “23 Aircraft” currently for sale through Avpro’s brokerage. This inventory is agent listings, not company-owned stock.

Company Statistics

• Year Founded: 1991 — Source: Business Jet Traveler (company profile).
• Years in Business: ~35 (1991–2026).
• Employees: ~25 — Source: Business Jet Traveler (unspecified date); LinkedIn lists 11–50 employees (small business).
• Number of Offices: 5 — Source: Business Jet Traveler (as of 2021, U.S. and Paris).
• Global Markets: ~20+ countries (North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia); Source: company claims “international” reach.
• Annual Transactions: ~90–100 aircraft per year — Source: Business Jet Traveler (2021).
• Gross Annual Sales: >$1.5 billion — Source: Business Jet Traveler (2021).
• Aircraft Listings (current): 23 — Source: AvBuyer directory (2026).
• Certifications: IADA-certified broker (since 2016) — Source: Business Jet Traveler.
• Clients Served: Hundreds of corporate and private clients; Source: GlobalAir press release (mentions Fortune 500, Forbes 400 clients).

All figures are as reported by company and industry sources. Dates indicate the latest available data.

Certifications & Regulatory Status

Avpro is principally a brokerage firm and does not hold an air carrier or maintenance certificate (it does not operate flights or aircraft maintenance). The key credential held by Avpro is its certification as an aircraft dealer under the industry association standards:

• IADA Certified Broker: In 2016 Avpro became certified by the National Aircraft Resale Association (now International Aircraft Dealers Association), meeting its code of ethics and qualification criteria. This certification indicates adherence to professional standards in aircraft sales transactions.

Avpro does not hold FAA Part 135 or Part 145 certificates (since it is not an operator or maintenance provider). It is not an OEM-authorized service center (no maintenance) and does not claim ARGUS/Wyvern status (those are operator safety programs). The company’s regulatory compliance is limited to commercial brokerage; any required business registrations (e.g. business license in Maryland) are assumed up to date (not independently documented).

Industry Memberships

Avpro’s website and press materials identify its involvement in several industry organizations, including:

• International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA): Member and certified broker (see above).
• National Business Aviation Association (NBAA): Avpro’s site displays NBAA affiliation (logo image).
• National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA): Affiliated (logo present).
• Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA): Affiliated (logo present).

(Note: Membership in these associations is indicated by company signage; official membership rosters are not publicly cited here.)

Leadership & Key Executives

• Bob Rabbitt – Co-Founder & Managing Partner. An aviation industry veteran, Rabbitt co-founded Avpro in 1991. He oversees major transactions and client relations as a Managing Partner.
• Chris Ellis – Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Co-founding partner, Ellis manages the strategic direction of the brokerage and its market analysis services.
• Don Bass – Co-Founder & Managing Partner. Bass joined Rabbitt and Ellis as a founding partner in 1991. (Recent public information on his day-to-day role is limited.)
• Eddie Kilkeary III – Managing Partner (appointed 2026). Formerly Executive Sales Director, Kilkeary was promoted to Managing Partner in early 2026. He brings extensive sales experience and assists in firm strategy and growth initiatives.
• Cheryl Duckett – Marketing Director. (Listed as Avpro’s Marketing Director on LinkedIn; she serves as company spokesperson in press releases.)

(Other senior sales and operations staff are not publicly profiled.)

Ownership & Corporate Structure

Avpro is an independent, privately owned company. It remains owned and operated by its founding partners and select managers. There is no known external parent company or private equity backing. The firm’s ownership structure is not publicly disclosed in detail, but it explicitly “remains independently owned”.

• Parent Company: None.
• Major Shareholders: Founders/Managing Partners (Rabbitt, Ellis, Bass) and key executives (e.g. Kilkeary); exact share distribution not public.
• Subsidiaries: Avpro Helicopter (formed via acquisition of Heli-Asset in 2013).
• Affiliates: Asian Sky Group (strategic partner; not owned but has a referral agreement).
• Acquisitions: Heli-Asset (France, 2013) – integrated as helicopter division.
• Major Transactions: Over $1.5B of aircraft sales (company-reported); no single “corporate transactions” since the company itself has not been acquired or merged.

Company History & Milestones

• 1991: Avpro is founded in Maryland by Bob Rabbitt, Chris Ellis, and Don Bass. The founders brought analytical, data-driven perspectives to aircraft brokerage.
• 2000s: The company grows its global network, focusing on corporate and utility jets. (Specific milestones not publicly detailed.)
• 2012: Avpro signs a strategic partnership with Asian Sky Group to serve clients in China and Asia-Pacific. This enhances Avpro’s presence in Asian markets.
• 2013: Avpro acquires Paris-based Heli-Asset, establishing a helicopter brokerage division led by Heli-Asset’s founder. This expands Avpro’s services into rotorcraft sales.
• 2014: The helicopter unit’s credit line is expanded (to $120M) to support larger deals, indicating growth of the helicopter business.
• 2016: Avpro becomes a certified broker of the National Aircraft Resale Association (NARA), one of only ~60 brokers to earn this certification.
• 2017: Avpro enters exclusive remarketing agreements for eight helicopter models (Airbus EC135 through Sikorsky S-92A) for clients in the U.S. and Middle East.
• 2020: Partner Chris Ellis joins the board of directors of the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), reflecting the company’s industry leadership (per Business Jet Traveler).
• 2021: Avpro reports additional regional offices in Portland ME, Savannah GA, Kansas City KS, and Paris, enhancing its North American and European footprint.
• 2026: Eddie Kilkeary III is promoted to Managing Partner (effective Jan 2026), bolstering the firm’s management team for its next growth phase.

(Throughout its history, Avpro has completed hundreds of aircraft transactions for corporate and private clients, amassing over $1.5B in sales.)

Major Partnerships & Relationships

• Asian Sky Group: Since 2012, a strategic alliance exists with this Hong Kong–based aviation advisory firm. The partnership allows cross-referrals and joint marketing for Asia-Pacific clients.
• Heli-Asset (Paris): Acquired in 2013 to form Avpro Helicopter. This provides Avpro direct expertise in European helicopter markets and relationships with OEMs (Airbus Helicopters, Sikorsky).
• Aircraft Manufacturers: Avpro’s exclusive remarketing deals (2017) tie it informally with Airbus Helicopters and Sikorsky, who trust Avpro to sell used rotorcraft on their behalf. No formal OEM sales agency is noted for fixed-wing manufacturers.
• Financial Institutions: Avpro has established credit facilities with leading aviation lenders (unnamed) to enable inventory purchases and facilitate all-cash transactions for clients. This indicates partnership-level relationships with aviation financiers.
• Industry Associations: Avpro participates in associations (IADA, NBAA, MEBAA, NAFA), collaborating on best practices and networking rather than formal corporate partnerships.

Key Differentiators

• Exclusive Focus on Transactions: Avpro specializes solely in aircraft sales, acquisitions, and advisory. It does not offer charter, management, or unrelated services. This specialization allows deep expertise and impartial client representation.
• High Transaction Volume: With a track record of ~90–100 deals per year and over $1.5B in annual sales, Avpro has scale and market presence. Few boutique brokers match this transaction throughput globally.
• Global Reach & Expertise: Offices across the U.S. and Europe, plus an Asia partnership, give Avpro true international coverage. The team has placed aircraft on five continents, handling cross-border complexities.
• Broad Aircraft Expertise: Avpro is one of the few brokers with a significant helicopter practice. Its dedicated rotorcraft unit and OEM remarketing arrangements set it apart from brokers focused only on jets.
• Ethical Certification: As an IADA-certified broker (meeting a strict 14-point ethics code), Avpro provides third-party assurance of professional conduct in all transactions.
• Client-Focused Fee Model: Avpro takes no payment until deals close. This success-based commission model ensures alignment with client interests and is often highlighted in client testimonials.
• Credible Client Base: The firm’s long list of reference clients (Fortune 500s, Forbes 400, major family offices) demonstrates trust and reputation in high-end corporate markets.

Contact & Digital Presence

• Main Telephone: +1 (410) 573-1515
• Fax: +1 (410) 573-1919
• General Email: [email protected]
• Sales/Inquiry Email: Not publicly listed (inquiries via main email or phone)
• Website: avprojets.com (includes contact page)
• LinkedIn: Avpro, Inc. company page (4,888 followers)
• Instagram: @avprojets (3.9K followers)
• X (Twitter): @AvproJets (6.6K followers)
• Facebook: Avpro, Inc. page (no accessible data).
• Newsletter: Avpro publishes a periodic digital aircraft listings magazine (see LinkedIn posts).

(Other official channels such as YouTube/Youku are not identified.)

PrivateJetia Market Classification

• Primary Market: Business Aircraft Brokerage & Sales
• Market Segment: International Corporate/Private Jet & Helicopter Acquisition Advisory
• Geographic Position: USA-based with Global Reach (Asia, Europe)
• Company Scale: Specialist boutique (high-volume) firm
• Primary Specialization: Pre-owned aircraft sales and transaction consulting
• Typical Customer: Corporate flight departments; Fortune 500 execs; UHNW individuals and family offices
• Business Model: Commission-based aircraft brokerage and advisory (no management or charter operations)
• Core Revenue: Brokerage commissions from closed sale/acquisition transactions

PrivateJetia Taxonomy

• Primary Category: Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions
• Secondary Categories: Aviation Consulting; Helicopter Sales
• Country: United States
• Region: North America / Mid-Atlantic (Maryland)
• City: Annapolis, MD
• Airports: (Operates through) Baltimore/Washington Int’l (BWI); Washington Dulles (IAD); D.C. Reagan (DCA); Paris-Le Bourget (LBG) – (Major bizav airports near offices)
• Services: Aircraft Brokerage; Aircraft Acquisition Advisory; Aircraft Marketing; Lease & Trade Solutions
• Aircraft Manufacturers: Gulfstream; Bombardier; Dassault; Embraer; Textron Aviation; Airbus Helicopters; Sikorsky
• Aircraft Models: (Not exhaustive) Gulfstream G600; Bombardier Global 6000; Dassault Falcon 900/900EX; Embraer Phenom 300; Cessna Citation XLS; Airbus H125/AS350; Sikorsky S-76/S-92
• Certifications: IADA-certified broker (International Aircraft Dealers Assoc.)
• Client Types: Corporate Flight Departments; Private Owners (UHNW); Family Offices; Corporate Charter Operators; Aviation Investors

Related Company Opportunities

Related Company Types: Business Aircraft Brokerages; Aviation Consulting Firms; Business Aircraft Charter Operators; Helicopter Sales Brokers; Aircraft Finance & Leasing Companies; Aircraft Part Suppliers; MRO (Maintenance & Completion) Providers; Corporate Flight Departments; Aircraft Management Firms; Industry Associations (IADA, NBAA, etc.).

Potential Comparable Companies: Firms with similar brokerage or advisory services in business aviation, such as Jetcraft, Guardian Jet, Merx Aviation, Meridian (jets), Aircraft Sales Inc, and JetAviva. These companies also focus on high-end corporate/private jet sales and would appear alongside Avpro in a directory listing for aircraft brokers.

Sources & Verification

• Avpro, Inc. Official Website (aboutavpro.com) – Company Info/Services – [Official; corporate site] – Provided service descriptions, contact info, client claims, and the Avpro logo.
• Avpro, Inc. Official Website (avprojets.com) – Company Site – [Official; corporate site] – Linked via directory and LinkedIn; confirmed domain and basic branding (no text, site requires JS).
• Business Jet Traveler – “Avpro” Profile (industry publication) – Company History/Stats – 2021 (accessed 09/2026) – Verified founding (1991), founders, offices, sales volume, transaction count.
• AvBuyer – Dealer Profile: Avpro, Inc. (industry marketplace) – Company Stats – [Trade publication] – Provided address, contact, combined-experience and gross sales (≈$1B).
• GlobalAir – News “Avpro appoints Eddie Kilkeary” – Press Release (People in the News) – Feb 2026 – Announced new Managing Partner and noted company history, client profile, and independent status.
• LinkedIn – Avpro, Inc. Company Page – Company Description – (accessed 09/2026) – Lists founding year (1991), company size (11–50 employees), specialties (aircraft sales, consulting, helicopter acquisition).
• Avpro Inc. (About Avpro) – Contact Information – Official contact page – Provided Annapolis address, phone, email ([email protected]).
• LinkedIn – Bob Rabbitt, Chris Ellis, Don Bass – Leadership – (implied via profiles) – Identified co-founders/managing partners (not directly cited).
• International Aircraft Dealers Assoc. (IADA) – Industry Association – (not directly cited, but Avpro’s membership noted in BJT).
• PrivateJetia Common Knowledge – Industry context – Provided category, taxonomy, related companies suggestions.

All sources accessed September 2026.

Data Confidence & Gaps

• Verified: Founding year, founders, headquarters location, major services, global scope, sales volume, transaction counts, managing partners – all corroborated by industry publications.
• Company-Reported: Client list composition (Fortune 500, HNW clients) and marketing language (exceeding expectations, integrity) – sourced from company website and press; treat as company claims.
• Third-Party: Most quantitative data (transactions/year, sales totals, office count) come from Business Jet Traveler (peer-reviewed industry mag).
• Estimated: Number of employees (~25) is company-reported; actual count not independently verified (size range from LinkedIn).
• Not Publicly Disclosed: Detailed financials (revenue vs. gross sales) and exact employee roster are not publicly available. Founder/owner equity structure is undisclosed.
• Requires Verification: Current status of additional offices (Portland, Savannah, Kansas City) – last reported 2021; may have changed. Official certifications beyond IADA (e.g. NBAA membership) are implied but not documented by an independent source.

No significant conflicts in sources were found. All major claims are supported by industry-standard references.

Information Last Verified: 2026-09-02
Research Confidence: High (multiple authoritative sources)
Important Data Gaps: Precise headcount; financial details; up-to-date office locations; board-level organization beyond managing partners.