Expanding National Footprint with Acquisition of Monaco AIr Duluth and Fly Duluth

Vantage Aviation, a rapidly growing name in the general aviation industry, has announced the acquisition of two key aviation service providers based at Duluth International Airport: Monaco Air Duluth and Fly Duluth. The move marks a significant expansion for the company as it strengthens its presence in the Upper Midwest and broadens its capabilities in both FBO and flight training operations.

Monaco Air Duluth has served as the exclusive fixed-base operator (FBO) at Duluth International Airport (DLH) since 2005. Renowned for its full suite of aviation services—including aircraft fueling, hangar space, de-icing, and maintenance coordination—Monaco Air has long been a linchpin of aviation activity in northeastern Minnesota. It also services a diverse clientele ranging from general aviation pilots to military and commercial aircraft operators.

Fly Duluth, a separately operated business based out of the same airport, provides pilot flight training, aircraft rentals, and other aviation educational services. Its integration under the Vantage umbrella enhances the acquirer's reach into flight instruction, a sector seeing renewed interest amid national pilot shortages.

Vantage Aviation’s acquisition of both entities represents a comprehensive commitment to the regional aviation ecosystem, promising to maintain continuity while introducing new investment and operational scale.

The acquisition is part of a broader expansion strategy by Vantage Aviation, which has added three new locations to its network within the span of less than a month. The company has been actively seeking to acquire high-performing regional FBOs under its banner to create a robust, service-oriented national brand. The Duluth acquisitions bring Vantage's total FBO count to 4, with a 5th under construction and more additions expected later this year.

Customers of Monaco Air and Fly Duluth can expect business as usual in the immediate term, with eventual upgrades anticipated in technology, customer amenities, and training programs. Vantage has also signaled its intent to retain the current workforce, preserving the institutional knowledge and customer relationships cultivated over decades.