Virtual carrier start-up Aegis Air is launching by-the-seat services between Miami Opa-Locka and Caracas Simón Bolivar on October 20, 2026, operated with a wet-leased Aero (United States of America) 16-seat E135.

Aegis Air CEO Ross Thompson told Private Jet Card Comparisons that the service targets growing demand for secure business travel to Venezuela, while outlining new routes between the country and the United States, broader expansion plans across the Caribbean and Latin America, and the potential to introduce higher-capacity aircraft.

The initial schedule will comprise 2x weekly roundtrips between Miami Opa-Locka and Caracas Simón Bolivar, operated with a 16-seater wet-leased Aero E135 under Part 380 public charter regulations between FBOs.

Thompson said the Venezuela services are aimed at bankers, business executives, diplomats, lawyers, and affluent members of the Venezuelan diaspora. Aegis Air expects to launch a new Caracas Simón Bolivar route out of Houston soon, followed by Washington, D.C.

Broader expansion

Thompson, founder and CEO of medical repatriation provider Covac Global, co-founded Aegis Air with Frank Orenstein, founder and CEO of hospitality development company Hospitality Investors Group, which has developed projects across North, Central, and South America.

Hospitality Investors Group projects in Colombia and Turks and Caicos have built-in demand, Thompson said. Building on that customer base, Aegis Air sees opportunities to serve high-end resort destinations, targeting hotel guests and homeowners beyond Venezuela and the range of the E135.

The company is in discussions with other operators regarding additional services, with plans potentially extending to VIP-configured B757s. Thompson said Aegis Air ultimately aims to own aircraft.