First 100% Private Native American Owned Aviation Company Acquires American Aviation

A new chapter in the aviation industry has begun with IKG Air LLC, the first 100% Private Native American-owned aviation company, announcing its acquisition of American Aviation. This merger symbolizes a new era of growth and success.

Chuck Howe, President of IKG Air, noted that the acquisition is more than just a business deal, “it’s the culmination of years of strategic planning, and amplifies our mission to deliver exceptional services to our customers. We’re excited to start this new journey.”

Lionel Bigthumb, CEO of IKG Air LLC and instrumental in the creation of IKG Air LLC, also highlights the importance of this expansion, “We look forward to incorporating the expansion of fixed wing operations into our portfolio of tour services. Our contract with the city of Page, offering Fixed Base Operations services, and scenic flights in Lake Powell, Northern Arizona, and Southern Utah, fits seamlessly into our aggressive growth plans.”

Aside from scenic flights, IKG Air LLC will also offer on-call charter flights from Sedona, Page, Kayenta, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and other locations in the Southwest, with a vision of scheduled service in the future. This expansion aims to increase the accessibility of aviation services, offer competitive rates for other regional tribes, and bolster our commitment to serving Native American regional areas.”

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.