K.C. firm invests in AirShare, takes majority ownership

Executive AirShare, a Lenexa-based fractional aircraft ownership firm founded in Wichita, has a new majority owner.

Curran Cos., a Kansas City, Mo.-based investment firm and an AirShare customer, has made a “significant investment” in AirShare and taken a controlling interest in the company through the formation of a new limited liability company. AirShare founder Bob Taylor and Wichita oilman and investor David Murfin continue to have an ownership stake in the company, according to an AirShare news release.

“We have a long-term view with our investment in Executive AirShare,” said Pat Curran, principal at Curran Cos., in the release. “We feel their management team has the right formula in delivering an exceptional private aviation experience using high-quality, late-model aircraft.”

AirShare did not disclose the amount of the investment.

AirShare officials said Curran’s investment will help expand AirShare’s business to more cities within its geographical footprint in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and New York. The company also operates a maintenance and operations facility at Wichita Eisenhower National Airport.

“We welcome the Currans’ forward vision and team-oriented focus,” AirShare CEO Keith Plumb said in the release. “… Their extensive track record of success shows we have the right partners. Together, we’ll take Executive AirShare to an even higher level.”

This week AirShare closed on the purchase of two new aircraft, a Wichita-built Beechcraft King Air 350i and an Embraer Phenom 300 business jet, bringing its fleet to 33 airplanes.

This story was originally published July 8, 2016 at 7:01 AM with the headline "K.C. firm invests in AirShare, takes majority ownership."