APP Jet Center Signals Major Growth with New COO Eric Hietala

STUART, FL – April 06, 2026 – In a clear signal of its aggressive growth ambitions, APP Jet Center has appointed seasoned aviation executive Eric Hietala as its new Chief Operating Officer. The move comes just weeks after the company's acquisition by private equity giant Bain Capital and solidifies a new leadership team poised to rapidly expand the company’s footprint in the competitive fixed-base operator (FBO) market.

Hietala, who will join the company's Executive Leadership Team, is tasked with leading all FBO operations and, crucially, spearheading the network's growth. The appointment is a cornerstone of the new strategy under Bain's ownership, which envisions transforming APP Jet Center from a respected regional operator into a national network of over 30 locations.

“We are delighted to welcome Eric as our new COO,” said Mark Johnstone, CEO of APP Jet Center, in a statement. “In the few short weeks since we closed the acquisition of APP Jet Center on March 10th, and with Eric joining the team, we now have an exceptional leadership team in place to deliver operational excellence, and growth.”

The Post-Acquisition Power Play

Hietala’s appointment is the latest in a series of strategic moves designed to equip APP Jet Center for a new era. It follows the recent hiring of Sharyar Aziz as Chief Financial Officer, indicating a deliberate and rapid assembly of a top-tier executive suite. This 'dream team' is being constructed to execute the ambitious vision set forth by its new private equity owners.

The strategy reflects a classic private equity playbook: acquire a company with a solid foundation, inject significant capital, and install proven leadership to unlock rapid growth and value creation. With CEO Mark Johnstone, a former chief executive of FBO giant Signature Aviation, at the helm, and now with Hietala managing operations, the company is stacked with leaders who have direct experience in scaling aviation service networks.

This leadership overhaul signals to the industry that APP Jet Center is no longer just a participant but a serious contender for market share, ready to compete for acquisitions, talent, and customers on a national scale. The company is positioning itself to become a major consolidator in a fragmented market.

Bain Capital's Bet on Aviation Infrastructure

The driving force behind this strategic shift is Bain Capital, a firm with a long and diverse history of investment across the aviation sector. While its portfolio includes airlines, aircraft leasing, and manufacturing, the acquisition of APP Jet Center marks a significant entry into the FBO space—the critical ground-based infrastructure that supports the booming business aviation industry.

Private equity's interest in FBOs is surging. These operations are viewed as infrastructure-like assets that generate stable, predictable cash flows from fuel sales, hangar rentals, and ancillary services. They are also direct beneficiaries of the sustained growth in private and business aviation, a trend that has accelerated since 2020. The FBO market, valued at over $35 billion in 2024, is projected to grow significantly in the coming decade.

Bain Capital's strategy appears to focus on creating a 'mosaic of aviation assets,' and APP Jet Center fits perfectly. The firm aims to leverage its capital and strategic oversight to help the company expand its footprint into high-quality, supply-constrained markets. By investing in facilities, operations, and leadership, Bain is betting it can build a leading FBO network that delivers premium service and consistent returns.

The Hietala Effect: A Blueprint for Expansion

Eric Hietala is central to executing this vision. His background is tailor-made for the task ahead. Before joining APP, Hietala held senior leadership roles at Signature Aviation, the world's largest FBO network. There, he was responsible for overseeing 68 FBOs and more than 1,500 employees, giving him invaluable experience in managing and optimizing a large, geographically dispersed network.

His deep sector knowledge and a track record focusing on safety, customer service, and employee well-being align directly with APP's stated goals. Hietala, who is also a private pilot and holds a Juris Doctor degree, brings a multifaceted understanding of the industry, from on-the-ground operations to high-level corporate strategy and legal frameworks.

In his own words, Hietala is ready for the challenge. “I’m truly excited to be joining APP Jet Center at the start of our growth journey,” he stated. “I’m looking forward to partnering with Mr. Johnstone, Bain Capital and the entire APP Jet Center team as we look to grow to a 30+ location network.”

This ambitious target—growing from its current four FBO locations to over 30—will likely involve a combination of strategic acquisitions of smaller, independent FBOs and potential greenfield developments. Hietala's experience will be critical in identifying viable targets, integrating new locations, and ensuring a consistent standard of operational excellence across the expanding network.

Navigating a Consolidating Market

APP Jet Center's aggressive growth plan is unfolding within a dynamic and rapidly consolidating FBO market. The industry, while growing, remains highly fragmented, with the top three largest companies owning only about 10% of total FBOs in the United States. This presents a ripe opportunity for well-capitalized players to build scale through acquisition.

However, the competition is fierce. Established giants like Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation, along with other private equity-backed platforms, are also actively pursuing acquisitions. Success will depend on the ability to move quickly, perform diligent analysis of potential targets, and offer a compelling proposition to sellers.

APP Jet Center starts from a strong position. Its existing FBOs are strategically located in key markets, including Stuart, FL (SUA); Manassas, VA (HEF), a key gateway to Washington D.C.; Hayward, CA (HWD) in the San Francisco Bay Area; and Fort Pierce, FL (FPR), which features an on-site U.S. Customs station. These facilities are known for efficiency and high levels of customer service, providing a solid operational and reputational foundation upon which to build. With the financial backing of Bain Capital and a newly fortified leadership team, APP Jet Center is now fully equipped to not just navigate but actively shape the future of the FBO landscape.