Business & Corporate Aviation Consultants
Essex Aviation Group brings decades of business aviation consulting experience to the table to help corporations find the ideal match for their transportation needs.
About Essex Aviation
With a combined 100+ years of experience in the private aviation industry and an unshakeable commitment to providing unbiased and exceptional service to corporate clients, the business aviation consultants at Essex Aviation Group are more than qualified to help you achieve your transportation goals. Whether your company is looking to expand its existing fleet, reevaluate its current utilization model or make its very first foray into the world of private aviation, Essex is prepared to offer you professional guidance and support every step of the way.
Our Approach
We begin every corporate aviation consulting engagement by working closely with the client to determine their needs and preferences. Experience has proven that it’s just as important for us to understand what hasn’t worked for clients in the past as it is for us to understand their travel goals, their desired specifications and what make or model aircraft they’re looking for.
In addition to analyzing each client’s travel records and confirming which destinations they frequently fly to, we also discuss their expectations for future travel so that we can come up with a workable, long-term solution based on their needs. We leverage a wide variety of resources, including database subscriptions, manufacturers’ sales brochures and actual performance data derived from our network of operators and service providers. These resources, when combined with our own industry knowledge and expertise, enable us to surface information and determine which option makes the most sense for you.
The final result is a private aviation solution tailored to your unique travel requirements and capable of serving your business both now and in the future.
Our Services
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New Aircraft Acquisition
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Pre-Owned Aircraft Acquisition
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Aircraft Refurbishment
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Aircraft Completion Management
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Private Jet Charter
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Private Jet Lease
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Fractional Aircraft Ownership
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Membership & Card Programs
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Business and Corporate Aviation Consulting
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Aircraft Financing & Consulting
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Meet the Team
President & CEO
H. Lee Rohde, III
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Mr. Lee Rohde is the founder, President and CEO of Essex Aviation Group, Inc. (Essex), a broad-based business and private aviation aircraft acquisition and consulting firm located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Lee brings over 30 years of experience in financial and operational analysis, manufacturing, distribution and corporate business development. He advises aviation related clients on a wide range of aircraft acquisition, strategic planning, financial, operational and management matters.
Executive Vice President
Thomas W. Mitchell
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Mr. Thomas W. Mitchell, Executive Vice President of Essex Aviation Group, Inc., leverages over 45 years of experience in the business aviation industry. Tom’s many roles and responsibilities have encompassed flight operations support, technical evaluations, aircraft management and numerous projects that integrate and optimize private aircraft to better support both business and personal use.
Executive Vice President
Michael J. Moore
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Mike Moore leverages three decades of experience in private aviation to meet the needs of Essex’s clients. His expertise extends to aircraft sales, acquisitions, chartering and partnering with ultra-high-net worth clients to find their ideal aviation solution. Mike’s previous leadership positions include Manager of Charter Sales for PrivatAir; President and Co-founder of Infinity Aviation Group & VP of Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions at FirstFlight; and VP of Aviation Sales with Signature Aviation
Why Essex?
Unbiased
We accept no commissions, referral fees or any other forms of compensation from any third parties. At Essex, we work solely for our clients, offering unbiased and uncompromised advice.
Unparalleled Expertise
Lee Rohde, Tom Mitchell and Mike Moore have been working in the aviation business for a combined 100+ years. Passionate about aviation since they were young, Lee, Tom and Mike provide a unique combination of experience and a wealth of unparalleled knowledge while advocating for their clients’ interests.
Confidential
We are committed to protecting the privacy of our clients. Every agreement we enter into includes privacy and confidentiality clauses, which are strictly adhered to by every member of Essex Aviation.
Honest & Fair
Essex is a well-respected consumer advocate within the aviation industry, known for our character and honesty. It is our desire to form and maintain long-term relationships with our clients and remain accountable for the analysis and support of past and ongoing decisions.
Our Testimonials
Our Clients Say It Best
“Essex Aviation’s guidance and data analysis was crucial to our successful first CJ3 lease and later our CJ4 purchase. The expertise of Essex allowed us to understand more fully our flight metrics, history, costs and how to match our future aviation needs with available options in a way that would not have been possible on our own.”
Alexandra Glazier, President and CEO
New England Donor Services
“I engaged Essex Aviation to prepare an analysis of large cabin aircraft that best met my needs. Their process was comprehensive and thorough. After an exhaustive search of available aircraft, they represented me on the acquisition, negotiation and importation of a long range aircraft and then oversaw a comprehensive customization of the entire plane. Throughout the process, Essex was a knowledgeable, trustworthy and detail oriented partner.”
Daniel R.
“Lee and Tom are the dynamic duo you've been looking for. Their collective skills provide exacting coverage on every detail needed when considering an airplane purchase or refurbishment. I worked with them on a lengthy process, from identification of plane, purchase, full refurbishment, staff assignments thru delivery. I was never once disappointed. Perfect personalities for even the pickiest of clients!”
Heidi M.
“Essex Aviation facilitated an end-of-lease process for a large aircraft and assisted us with structuring a subsequent lease extension. The transactions had several challenging issues that required expert counseling and negotiation. The Essex team is friendly, prompt, easy to work with, and most importantly, simply the best at what they do. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
Joe Stone, CFO
Sartini Enterprises, Inc.
“Throughout my career as a family office executive, Essex Aviation has been my go to aviation expert. Lee and Tom have guided me through the most complex aircraft acquisition while being able to meet difficult client deadlines. The Essex team has provided key analysis ranging from the mundane, such as the interpretation of the placement of a placard on an aircraft to negotiations relating to an engine care program. Lee and Tom are key partners in all aspects of family office aviation matters.”
John Castrucci, Family Office Executive & Founder
Global Family Office Advisors
“We had a very positive experience with Essex. We found them to be competent, professional and objective. They dedicated a significant amount of time to providing an extremely insightful evaluation of our aircraft division. The report detailed strengths and weaknesses in our operation, together with constructive recommendations . They interacted very well with the staff and were able to elicit accurate and honest information.”
Michael M.
Northeast based Family Office
Additional Resources
Navigating Private Aviation: A 20,000’ View
Essex President and CEO Lee Rohde offers insights into key considerations for selecting a private aviation utilization model in this webinar hosted by Silicon Valley Bank.
What You Need to Know About Aircraft Depreciation Deductions
Is your aircraft eligible for a depreciation deduction? Find out in this article, written in partnership with the legal team at Crowell & Moring LLP.
Aircraft Trusts: What They Are, When to Use One & More
Discover the benefits of establishing an aircraft trust in this article written in partnership with the experts at TVPX Trust Services.
Ask These Questions Before Making Your Next Aviation Decision
Private aviation offers numerous benefits, but each service option comes with its pros and cons. Find out whether a membership/card program, charter, fractional or dedicated aircraft model is right for you — and how a private aviation consultant can help you make an informed decision — in this free eBook.