Florida’s Aztec Airways maps out growth following investment

Florida’s Aztec Airways (AJ, Fort Lauderdale Executive) is expanding its fleet and adding international and domestic routes following a USD5 million injection by MSMAir LLC over the next 36 months in the shape of equity and the purchase of additional aircraft. “The investment from MSMAir LLC will enable us to continue on our strong growth path, by not only adding needed capital and aircraft for expansion but also by bringing with them the business brain-power and experience needed to ensure our continued success,” founder and chief executive, Stuart Hanley, said in a statement. He did not elaborate on the fleet expansion plans. According to the company website, Aztec is an FAA Part 135-certificated carrier specialising in ad-hoc/commuter scheduled operations. It currently has a fleet of six aircraft, including two Beech (twin turboprop) Model 18 utility aircraft and a Cessna (single turboprop) Caravan 208B that are used for cargo flights, and three nine-seater Piper (twin turboprop) Chieftains used for passenger and cargo flights. Hanley said the investment had enabled Aztec to add a new service to Key West Int’l from Fort Lauderdale Executive on October 29, 2020. The airline would continue to open new routes in Florida and throughout the Northern Caribbean, he added but didn’t specify the destinations. He said the 22-year-old airline’s base at Fort Lauderdale’s Executive airport allowed it to serve all major South Florida international gateway airports, including Fort Lauderdale Int’l, Miami Int’l, and West Palm Beach Int’l.