Top Aces and Blue Air join forces
Two of USA’s leading companies in the field of military training, Blue Air Training Corp. (Blue Air) and Top Aces Corp. announced the completion of an industry changing business combination on 30 March 2022. While Blue Air's expertise is Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training, Top Aces Corp. is active in the field of contracted Adversary Air (ADAIR) training.
Obviously as a result of the war in Ukraine, countries worldwide look to ramp up combat readiness. As a result the demand for highly specialised and affordable contracted Adversary Air (ADAIR) and JTAC/Close Air Support (CAS) training services is on the rise.
Where the two companies are active in different fields of training their teaming up can have additional benefit for both. The business combination is considered to be perfect fit as Top Aces and Blue Air are tightly aligned in culture and mission. Both Blue Air and Top Aces Corp. will continue to be headquartered in Las Vegas (NV), and Mesa (AZ) respectively and will operate independently under the same names.
About Top Aces
With nearly 100,000 accident-free flight hours, Top Aces Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries provide advanced Adversary Air (ADAIR) and Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) technology and training to the world's leading air forces. It has the largest fleet of commercially operated fighter aircraft in active service and is the only owner-operator of the F-16 AAF. Top Aces' mission-critical training enhances the operational readiness of combat forces by providing real-world experience, while creating significant cost efficiencies and extending the lifecycle of military fleets.
The Top Aces Holding is located in Ottawa, Ont. (Canada) and owns Top Aces Inc. (Canada) and Top Aces Corp. (US). In December 2020, Top Aces Corp. bought 29 former Heyl Ha’Avir (IAF, Israeli Air Force) General Dynamics F-16A-10-CF Netz and F-16B-10-CF Netz fighters. The first aircraft were delivered on 27 January 2021 to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport (AZ). In July 2020, Top Aces Inc. bought 25 Alpha Jets from the Belgische Luchtmacht (BLu, Belgian Air Force). The first Alpha Jets were trucked from Beauvechain Air Base (Belgium) to the harbour of Bordeaux (France). From there, the Alpha Jets were shipped to Canada.
About Blue Air Training
Blue Air Training (Blue Air) is one of the preeminent providers of CAS training for US and foreign military Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. Blue Air offers a comprehensive, end-to-end suite of training services for JTAC, satisfying its CAS training requirements and ensuring combat readiness. The company's experienced military CAS instructor pilots provide customized training services designed in collaboration with each customer, including mission planning, logistics support, simulation, platform instruction, live/dry weapons control, day/night control, laser control, multiple asset replication, and mission debrief, among others.
As the pioneer of the CAS training market for JTACs, Blue Air has established an exceptional reputation and enduring relationships with customers such as the USAF, the Air National Guard (ANG), and Special Operations Terminal Attack Controllers through its high-quality training services. The fleet of turboprop and jet aircraft and team of highly experienced fighter pilots, special operators, and operations personnel drive realistic and cost-efficient exercises, cultivating in Blue Air's status as the sought-after industry partner.
Within the Scramble database we have the following aircraft operated by the companies:
Photos by Top Aces, Thomas Backus and Gerald Howard (via airfighters.com)