Inside the Biggest Aviation Acquisition of the Year: Flyhouse x Sun Air Jets

Recorded live from NBAA in partnership with Flyhouse

Private aviation is entering a new era — one driven by integration, scale, and service.

In this live NBAA session, Flyhouse CEO Jack Lambert and Sun Air Jets CEO Brian Counsil join host Dan Harris to discuss the landmark acquisition that’s redefining what an aviation company can be.

They unpack the full-circle vision behind the deal — combining charter, FBO, and maintenance into one ecosystem — and share the lessons learned from months of negotiations, culture alignment, and strategic planning.

More than a business move, this is about reimagining how small operators grow, compete, and serve in an industry where 90% of players have fewer than 10 aircraft.

Inside This Episode
✦ Why Flyhouse’s “build the house” vision goes beyond charter
✦ How Sun Air Jets’ legacy and people shaped the acquisition
✦ The strategy behind vertical integration — from hangar to app
✦ What smaller operators should know before selling or scaling
✦ Lessons from a 10-month acquisition process
✦ Why culture and people determine the real success of a merger

Whether you’re an operator looking to grow or a founder considering an exit, this episode shows how partnerships — when done right — can reshape the entire business aviation ecosystem.

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✈️ The Iron Bird Podcast brings you the voices shaping private aviation today — from boardrooms to hangars, where strategy meets sky.

Listen to every episode at flyironbird.com