Kennedy Lewis-Backed Ocean Aviation Launches Premium FBO Platform, Acquires National Jets at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

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Kennedy Lewis deploys flexible capital to build a next-generation private aviation platform across high-growth South Florida markets, anchored at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami Executive Airport

Ocean Aviation, backed by Kennedy Lewis Investment Management (“Kennedy Lewis”), today announced the acquisition of National Jets at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (KFLL), marking the firm’s second major South Florida commitment alongside its greenfield development at Miami Executive Airport (KTMB). National Jets will continue to operate under its established name and will provide full continuity of service for existing tenants, clients, and staff. Significant redevelopment and expansion are also planned.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260914261616/en/

Renderings: Planned Ocean Aviation facility — hangars, terminal, and approach views.

Renderings: Planned Ocean Aviation facility — hangars, terminal, and approach views.

A Platform Built for South Florida’s Private Aviation Market

Ocean Aviation was established in 2024 with the execution of a 40-year, 40-acre ground lease at Miami Executive Airport (KTMB), positioning the company to develop one of the most significant new FBO facilities in the southeastern United States. The planned state-of-the-art KTMB facility is designed to accommodate up to 400,000 square feet of hangar space across communal and private configurations, a premium terminal, and a fuel farm.

The acquisition of National Jets adds a proven, operating FBO with more than 60 years of history, a ~20-acre leasehold, established customer relationships, and significant untapped development potential. Together, KTMB and KFLL create a differentiated, dual-airport network serving the growing base of ultra-high-net-worth individuals, corporate flight departments, and international private aviation operators across the Miami–Fort Lauderdale metro.

Comprehensive Redevelopment at KFLL

Ocean Aviation will immediately commence a phased redevelopment of the National Jets facility. The initial program includes a large communal hangar and two private hangars, a 21st-century FBO terminal with executive offices, and a new fuel farm, all purpose-built to accommodate aircraft of all sizes, including large-cabin business jets.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport ranks among the top 15 U.S. general aviation airports by fuel volume and top 20 by total departures. Once fully developed, the expanded KFLL facility is projected to reach over 150,000 square feet of hangar capacity, more than six times its current footprint, to meet the increasing private aviation demand in South Florida.

The existing facility will remain fully operational during the first phase with no expected impact to service.

“National Jets has built an outstanding reputation over more than six decades at Fort Lauderdale, and we are honored to carry that legacy forward. This is a market we believe in deeply, and we will invest in the facility, the team, and the experience accordingly. Combined with our development at Miami Executive Airport, Ocean Aviation is now developing two of the premier private aviation gateways in South Florida, with a clear mandate to set a new standard for the FBO experience in this market.”

— Romain Grosjean, Chairman, Ocean Aviation

“This acquisition reflects our conviction in the South Florida market and our commitment to building Ocean Aviation into the preeminent premium FBO platform in the region. Kennedy Lewis was founded to provide flexible capital solutions to companies at pivotal moments, and Ocean Aviation exemplifies that mission. We appreciate the opportunity to work alongside Miami-Dade and Broward counties to build lasting infrastructure in supply-constrained, high-growth markets. These two world-class aviation assets will drive job creation and economic growth across South Florida for decades to come.”

— David Chene, Managing Partner, Kennedy Lewis Investment Management

ABOUT OCEAN AVIATION

Ocean Aviation is a premium private aviation services company backed by Kennedy Lewis Investment Management, building a best-in-class FBO platform in key U.S. aviation markets. Founded in 2025, Ocean Aviation is developing one of the most ambitious purpose-built FBO facilities in the southeastern United States. In June 2026, Ocean Aviation expanded its South Florida footprint by announcing the acquisition of National Jets at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (KFLL), adding a 60+-year operating FBO with significant development potential to its portfolio. Ocean Aviation is led by an experienced team of aviation and real estate professionals and is supported by Kennedy Lewis’s flexible capital platform and deep industry relationships.

ABOUT NATIONAL JETS

Founded in 1947, National Jets is a premier fixed-base operator (FBO) at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (KFLL). The facility offers 22,000 square feet of hangar space and award-winning 24-hour service to the private and corporate aviation community. Under Ocean Aviation’s ownership, National Jets will undergo a comprehensive redevelopment to deliver a next-generation FBO facility with over 150,000 square feet of premium hangar and terminal capacity.

ABOUT KENNEDY LEWIS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

Kennedy Lewis is an alternative investment firm founded in 2017 by David K. Chene and Darren L. Richman with approximately $37 billion under management. The firm provides flexible capital solutions and partners with businesses navigating periods of transition and transformation.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially. This release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities.

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