Leviate Jet Management (SBE) is planning to expand its fleet with at least four to five more aircraft by the end of 2025, chief executive Luis Barros, president Randall Mize, and managing partner Rob Rosenberg told ch-aviation in an exclusive interview.

Discussions are ongoing, with planned additions including Bombardier Business Aircraft and a Gulfstream Aerospace jet, Barros explained, adding: "While some are new clients, about half are existing ones upgrading to larger or longer-range aircraft while retaining their current jet with us."

This forms part of a broader fleet expansion strategy, which also includes the upcoming addition of a third Challenger 300 and a first Global 5000.

The Global 5000, expected to become operational in June or July, marks the return of a long-range jet to Leviate's operations. Barros confirmed that integrating the aircraft poses no challenges. "We acquired this air carrier in 2017, and it has been in operation since 2002. It has a clean record and is certified for 10 or more passengers worldwide," he said, also noting that Leviate has previously operated long-range jets, with the ch-aviation fleets history module showing two GIV-SPs, a G450, and a G550.

Optimising through fleet standardisation

Over the past year, Leviate has inducted two Challenger 300s, a Citation M2 Gen2, a Phenom 300, and six HondaJets in four variants. In addition to these, the company’s Part 135 certificate also covers a Citation XLS and a Citation XLS+.

"We’re trying to add small fleet groups to create more synergy within our pilot group," Rosenberg explained.

This strategy allows pilots to transition between aircraft, ensuring continuity during maintenance or pilot unavailability. On the maintenance side, fleet standardisation has streamlined operations. While Leviate is not a Part 145 operator, it handles minor maintenance tasks in-house and outsources major work.

"You become experts in maintaining that specific aircraft type," Rosenberg noted.

The "trifecta": charter brokerage, sales, management

Leviate operates a model that integrates charter brokerage, aircraft sales, and management, facilitating transitions between divisions.

“We have what I would call the trifecta here. Our charter brokerage introduces clients to private aviation. As they start flying frequently, they consider ownership, which leads them to our aircraft sales division. Once they purchase, our management team takes over,” Mize explained.

Leviate Jet Sales handles global transactions with a team of 10 brokers, including a London office. “We’re not just a broker, we’re also a dealer,” Mize said, highlighting the company's ability to source, refurbish, and resell aircraft while prioritising self-regulation. “Aircraft brokerage is like the Wild West - there are no regulations. In the United States, you need a licence to cut someone’s hair, but you can sell an aircraft with no oversight. That’s why we prioritise transparency and self-regulation.”

The sales and management divisions work in tandem, driving new business with aircraft buyers often seeking Leviate’s management services. “When our sales team works with a buyer, the next question is, ‘Who will manage my aircraft?’ That relationship often brings new aircraft under our management,” Rosenberg said.

Leviate’s new Global 5000 exemplifies this approach. “Sales sourced the aircraft on behalf of the client, managed the Wi-Fi installation, and oversaw the interior and exterior refurbishment. It will be on our certificate by mid-year,” Barros said.

Aircraft management focused on charter revenue

Leviate’s aircraft management division prioritises high charter output for owners. "We focus on maximising charter revenue. If someone is looking for light-touch Part 91-only management, we are not the right fit," Barros explained.

A recent example is the new Challenger 300, which belongs to a client who switched to Leviate after their previous operator failed to meet charter hour expectations. "Our reputation is growing, and people are hearing about it," Rosenberg said. "That’s why they’re reaching out to see if we can secure the additional 300 hours they need."

The company's aircraft management clientele primarily consists of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). "Every aircraft under our management is client-owned, with some owners placing multiple aircraft on our certificate," Barros added.

Chairman Aviation acquisition, strategic expansion

Leviate’s acquisition late last year of Chairman Aviation stemmed from a longstanding relationship. "We were one of their top two clients when negotiations began," Barros said. The company’s position in the charter brokerage sector enables unique opportunities. "By purchasing lift from operators we build strong relationships turning competitors into customers," Rosenberg explained.

A key advantage of the acquisition is the operationally aligned fleet. Chairman's Part 135 fleet, consisting of a Citation Jet 3+, a Citation X, and a Citation X+, complements Leviate's own Citation-series operations. Barros is confident in managing both certificates effectively, stating: "Smaller operators with fleets of three to five aircraft can be integrated without full consolidation."

Leviate is now focused on integrating the recently inducted HondaJets and Chairman Aviation's fleet before pursuing further acquisitions. "Once we fully integrate these fleets, we’ll explore additional takeovers, likely by the end of this year or early next year," Barros said.

Charter market outpace and expansion

Leviate has outpaced the broader charter market, which saw a decline in 2024. "We matched our 2023 performance, which was significant given the industry’s downturn. So far in 2025, we are already ahead," Barros highlighted. This growth has been driven by strong demand for on-demand charter, particularly for midsize and super-midsize jets.

With core operations in the central part of the United States, particularly Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, Leviate has expanded in Florida and along the East Coast, including New York. "We're beginning to expand westward, but not as much as in other regions," Barros noted. The addition of the Global 5000 will further extend Leviate’s international reach, particularly in Europe and Asia.

In addition to on-demand charters, Leviate also manages medical flights, including urgent organ transports. "We see strong potential for the HondaJets in this segment, especially the three based in Texas," Rosenberg said. With minimal owner usage, the HondaJets are well-suited for quick, short-range medical missions.

Supply chain issues and tariffs

Mize highlighted ongoing supply chain challenges, citing a recent case involving a Phenom 300. "It could fly, but it had no air conditioning, which is a problem in the summer," he said. The part took six months to become available. Mize emphasised that these delays are not unique to Embraer Executive Jets, as other manufacturers are experiencing similar supply constraints for critical components.

Regarding tariffs, Mize acknowledged client concerns, particularly from those operating Challenger 300s, but said the impact has been limited so far. "Most people see the tariffs as a short-term negotiating tactic," he said, adding that while temporary disruptions are manageable, a prolonged policy shift could have more serious consequences.