Buffalo River Aviation (OFT) secured Part 135 certificate #VBTA520S on July 13, the company announced.
“Earning our own FAA operating certificate is a significant milestone that gives us the flexibility to continue investing in our fleet, our people, and the exceptional service our clients expect,” CEO Chris Townsley said.
Buffalo River Aviation launched charter services in late 2023 under the Part 135 certificate of Central Flying Service, which later became JetTech. “We are grateful to JetTech for our partnership and continued support throughout this process,” Townsley added.
With the new certificate, Buffalo River Aviation said it would bring in-house a fleet comprising three Beech (twin turboprop)s, namely a King Air F90 and two King Air B200s, three Citation Jet-series aircraft, including a Citation Jet 3+, and a Citation Sovereign inducted in mid-2025.
“We’re investing in additional aircraft, facilities, and people to continue delivering safe, dependable service and to help connect Arkansas businesses and families to destinations across North America,” Townsley said. The company expects to add another Citation Jet and a Citation Sovereign within a year.
A 2003-built, six-seat Citation Jet 2, N500SD (msn 525A-0132), is listed as “coming soon” on Buffalo River Aviation's website. The company employs 11 pilots and aims to hire two more by the end of the year.
