CARLSBAD – After a turbulent year, Carlsbad-based aircraft charter provider Premier Air Charter Holdings Inc. (OTCID: PREM) has added two new jets to its fleet in recent months to advance a multi-pronged expansion plan.
On Jan. 22, Premier Air announced the addition of the Citation X to its fleet, following the addition of the Challenger 604 in December 2025.
“Quickly adding the Citation X to our fleet demonstrates our commitment to scaling with intention and investing in aircraft that strengthen our operational flexibility and market reach,” said Premier Air Chairman Vincent Monteparte. “The Citation X aligns perfectly with our long‑term strategy to deliver exceptional performance, reliability and value to our clients and shareholders.”
Both additions come after the company reported a net loss of $4,028,408 for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2025, compared to a net loss of $1,628,852 for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2024.
Posted on Nov. 14, 2025, the company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025 detailed that the loss was primarily due to pre-charter revenue operating costs of acquired aircraft, aircraft maintenance costs no longer passed on to customers through aircraft management contracts and increased wages, interest and SG&A fees.
For the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2025, Premier Air recorded a revenue of $20,376,185 and its gross profit was a loss of $81,094.
The company’s Form 10-Q also noted a loss from operations of $3,165,423, compared to a loss of $1,089,405 for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2024, also attributed to increased costs.
According to the company, Premier Air demand for private aviation is continuing to grow.
The expansion of the company’s fleet is intended to solidify its market position.
Additionally, Premier Air’s broader multi-aircraft expansion plan aims to increase charter availability, broaden service offerings and deliver service to a “growing roster of repeat PAC travelers,” according to a statement from the company.
Strategy for the Year Ahead
Both the Citation X and Challenger 604 seat 8 to 9 passengers and feature a range of 2,800 nautical miles, making them suitable for regional and mid-range travel. The jets were both refurbished in 2023.
The Citation X is historically recognized as one of the fastest civilian business jets and is expected to enter charter service shortly following completion of final FAA certification, pilot training and operational integration.
“We believe securing FAA certification and pilot readiness for the Citation X so quickly reflects the strength, discipline and expertise of the Premier team,” Premier Air President and CEO Ross Gourdie said. “With both the Challenger 604 and now the Citation X joining our fleet, we are entering 2026 with expanded capabilities. Our sales organization is already cultivating new and existing clients that we believe positions Premier for growth.”
According to private jet broker The Jet Collection, the cost of a pre-owned Citation X aircraft ranges from $3 million to $9 million.
In a year-in-review video posted in December 2025, Monteparte outlined a three-part growth strategy for Premier Air, which included expanding the charter business and fleet, securing FAA certification to begin servicing third-party aircraft and launching a managed services program for private aircraft owners.
The managed services program would enable owners to outsource maintenance, scheduling and operations to Premier Air while receiving a monthly revenue check.
“This year has been transformative for Premier. Our team has navigated challenges with resilience, expanded our service capabilities and strengthened our position in the market,” Monteparte said.
Company Evolution
On March 13, 2025, Premier Air announced that it was acquired by Nevada-based holding company Altair International Corp (OTCQB: ATAO), which is predominantly active in the mining, metals and green technologies sector. Following the acquisition, Altair planned for thoughtful rebranding and expansion.
“I am honored to lead our unified company alongside a team of extraordinary, world-class professionals,” Gourdie said in statement at the time of the acquisition. “As we prepare to file for a name and symbol change to more accurately reflect our vision, we are excited to unveil our ambitious growth plans in the near future. Premier Air Charter is uniquely positioned to drive accelerated growth, redefine excellence in customer service and solidify our standing as the premier jet charter provider in the U.S. market.”
As part of the deal, Gourdie joined the company as president and board member and was joined by Sandra J. DiCicco as CEO and chairman of the board. Amy Scannell joined Monteparte as a board member, replacing Leonard Lovallo, who resigned as CEO and board member.
Gourdie has been involved in the management and development of Premier Air since 2019.
Under his direction, the company has grown from a $1 million company primarily flying small jets and turboprop aircraft, to a $20 million business offering mid and super-mid jet aircraft.
In its lifetime, Premier Air has flown over 3,000,000 miles and has served over 4,000 clients.
Premier Air Charter Holdings Inc.
FOUNDED: 2012, according to Barron’s Magazine
CEO: Ross Gourdie
HEADQUARTERS: Carlsbad
BUSINESS: Aircraft Charter Provider
EMPLOYEES: 30+
REVENUE: $20,376,185 over the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2025
WEBSITE: https://premieraircharter.com/
CONTACT: +1 (858) 381-3435
NOTABLE: The company has flown over 3,000,000 miles in its lifetime.
Born and raised in San Diego, Madison takes great pride in local storytelling. Her coverage at the San Diego Business Journal includes tourism, hospitality, nonprofits, education and retail. An alumna of San Diego State University’s journalism program, she has written for publications including The San Diego Union-Tribune and The San Diego Sun. At the 2024 San Diego Press Club awards, Madison was recognized for her exemplary profile writing. She was also a speaker for the 2023 TEDx Conference at Bonita Vista High School. When she’s not working on her next story, Madison can be found performing music at a local restaurant or on one of San Diego’s many hiking trails.
