Edsel Ford Reflects on 60 Years of Pentastar Aviation

From the desk of Edsel B. Ford II Owner & Chairman, Pentastar Aviation*

At our core, we provide comprehensive services that allow people to fully enjoy the benefits of private aviation, from aircraft ownership and management, to chartered flights and maintenance. This straight forward description, however, only begins to capture what makes us exceptional.

As we close the curtain on our 60th year, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought us here. It’s not just the milestones and accolades — though there have been many — but the stories, the people and the values that define who we are.

A Bold Start
My love for flying has been with me since childhood, with fond memories of trips sitting in the cockpit jumpseat of Ford Motor Company’s DC-3s. At the time, the idea of owning an aviation company seemed distant — until the chance to acquire Pentastar arose in 2001.

I had just retired from active duty at Ford Motor Company and was searching for my next opportunity. A chance call about DaimlerChrysler divesting their aviation arm led to a whirlwind dealmaking process, and my chapter at Pentastar began.

A member of the Ford family buying a company tied to Chrysler was a bold move, but from the beginning it was clear I was stepping into something special.

A Culture of Care
When asked what our secret is, my response is always the same — our people.

I’ve always believed that if you take care of your people, they will, in turn, take care of your clients. That belief underpins everything we do at Pentastar. From our leadership team to the frontline staff, everyone contributes to a culture of care.

Our commitment to excellence often starts with small yet meaningful acts. One of my favorite examples involves a pilot who suggested adding a baby changing table in the ladies restroom. Within 24 hours it was installed, and we sent her a photo to show we’d acted on her feedback.

We see this in how our team approaches every interaction. Our FBO operations team describes their role as being “on the front lines” of customer service. Whether it’s arranging ground transportation or valeting cars, our team’s dedication sets the tone of every client’s experience, ensuring each is treated like the most important arrival of the day.

These anecdotes might seem small, but they illustrate the ethos of Pentastar — listening, responding and caring.

Staying the Course Through Turbulence
The 2008 financial crisis tested our mettle, forcing us to make hard choices while staying true to our values. While the aviation industry grappled with layoffs, we doubled down on retaining our people and our quality.

Those decisions paid off. When the business world began flying again, we secured long-term partnerships with some of the biggest and best brands in the world. These are companies that could have gone anywhere, but they were drawn to our people and quality.

Staying independently owned has also been pivotal. In a world of private equity turnover, Pentastar offers stability, experience and trust — values that resonate deeply with our clients.

Defining Excellence in Aviation
Innovation has always been central to how we operate. From using advanced safety tools like FOQA to enhance flight operations to upgrading connectivity and tailoring aircraft interiors to reflect an owner’s vision, everything we do is driven by a commitment to understanding needs and adapting to meet them.

I recall a time when an FBO franchise company approached us with an offer to join their network. After evaluating their standards and conducting a trial, we realized something remarkable — we were already exceeding their expectations. We graciously declined, confident that our independent path was the right one.

Another hallmark of our culture is transparency. When customers entrust us with their multimillion-dollar aircraft, we provide open access. We aim to create an experience that blends professionalism with personal touch.

Strong Roots, Global Growth
Our story is one of geography, as we make it possible for our customers to travel the world.

Michigan is our foundation, our inspiration, and the heart of who we are. Over the last 60 years, we have grown from a regional operation into a global leader, connecting people to possibilities far beyond our home state. Our services transcend borders, inspiring exploration, celebrating curiosity, and fostering deep, meaningful relationships with customers across diverse regions.

Whether we are providing services to automotive giants, flying professional sports teams, or part of planning more adventurous personal pursuits, we’re proud to play a role in connecting people and industries that drive local and global economies.

Our expansion plans and innovations focus on strengthening operations and ensuring excellence, no matter where the journey takes us. We honor our humble roots as we advance the private aviation industry, creating jobs, fostering talent, and contributing to the communities we serve around the globe. With this growth, we aim to build a brighter, more sustainable future for private aviation.

Looking Ahead
For me, Pentastar isn’t just a business — it’s a significant part of my legacy. As we look to the future, our focus remains clear — invest in our people, perfect our services and continue to raise the bar in private aviation.

The past 60 years have taught us that success comes not from chasing trends or buying growth, but from staying true to our core values of integrity, care and excellence.

While technology and innovation will continue playing an important role, our people have always been our greatest strength. It’s truly remarkable that there are still many on our team who have been part of Pentastar far longer than me.

This continuity allows us to deliver personalized experiences that go beyond the transactional. It also presents a unique opportunity to nurture talent and build pathways for future leaders within the company, ensuring our success carries on.

To the team members who make the impossible possible every day, to our partners who share in our vision, and to our clients who inspire us — thank you. Together, we’ve built something truly extraordinary.

Each moment and every story reinforce why this company matters, and why its values will endure.

Here’s to 60 years of Pentastar Aviation and to the stories yet to be written.

Edsel B. Ford II

Owner & Chairman, Pentastar Aviation

*Originally published by Aviation International News