Northwest Missouri Aero Group has acquired a controlling interest in Kansas City-based ATD Flight Systems, bringing together charter, aircraft management and pilot training operations under new ownership. The deal, which closed on 8 June 2026, combines a regional fleet operator with a long-established flight-training business that has served the Kansas City market since 1996.
ATD Flight Systems includes ATD Air Charter, ATD Aircraft Management and ATD Pilot Training, with FAA-approved training among its services. The combined organisation operates 25 aircraft and employs about 75 full- and part-time team members across five locations in Missouri and Iowa, including Kansas City, Clinton, St. Joseph, Columbia and Cedar Rapids.
Northwest Missouri Aero Group is led by St. Joseph-based managing partner Lute Atieh. The acquisition terms were not disclosed. The new ownership plans to expand aircraft availability while building on ATD’s three decades of experience in Kansas City aviation, and Bill Hays’ daughter remains part of the ownership group.