Key Takeaways
• DV Aviation acquired Basin Aviation on May 13, 2025, expanding private charter and FBO services at Midland Airpark.
• The move follows DV Aviation’s merger with Deerhorn Aviation in November 2024, strengthening regional operations in West Texas.
• Basin Aviation operated under FAA Part 135, offering flexible, on-demand charter flights with a modernized fleet including Learjet and King Air aircraft.
DV Aviation’s recent acquisition of Basin Aviation marks a notable change in private aviation in West Texas. This move creates a larger, more diverse team at Midland Airpark and lets DV Aviation offer both aircraft charter and fixed-base operator (FBO) services directly from this important local airport. The announcement, made official on May 13, 2025, comes after a series of strategic decisions by DV Aviation to grow its business during the past year. Basin Aviation has been a trusted name in West Texas since 1979. With the acquisition, both companies aim to provide more choices and smoother services to travelers and businesses in the region.
DV Aviation’s Expansion in West Texas
The acquisition of Basin Aviation did not happen in isolation. In November 2024, DV Aviation took another big step by merging with Deerhorn Aviation, which also operated out of Texas and specialized in charter flights at Midland International. By first merging with Deerhorn Aviation and now acquiring Basin Aviation, DV Aviation is following a clear plan: to become a top provider of private aviation services in West Texas and beyond.
When the November merger with Deerhorn Aviation was announced, Russell Maxey, Co-Owner of DV Aviation, summed up the company’s goals, saying, “This merger represents a significant step forward for DV Aviation and Deerhorn Aviation. We are thrilled to combine our strengths to offer unparalleled service and expanded capabilities to our clients. Our shared values and dedication to excellence make this partnership a natural fit.” This statement reflects the company’s aim to provide more services and a better experience for customers by bringing together the best features of both teams.
After acquiring Basin Aviation, DV Aviation now operates at both Midland International and Midland Airpark. The tie-up with Basin Aviation gives DV Aviation instant access to an even wider customer base and lets it offer reliable charter flights and FBO services from two important aviation hubs.
The Role of Midland Airpark and Basin Aviation’s Legacy
Midland Airpark is a well-known airport in West Texas, serving both private flyers and regional travelers. It provides easy access to the Midland area, making it a natural location for business travelers, oil and gas industry workers, and others who need fast, private flights.
Basin Aviation, with its long history since 1979, has been a key part of Midland Airpark’s success. The company began as a humble charter operator and has grown steadily, serving thousands of customers throughout West Texas and neighboring states. Before the acquisition, Basin Aviation operated a fleet under FAA Part 135 certification, with aircraft including a Learjet 45XR, a Learjet 75, and two King Air B200s. In April 2025, Basin Aviation retired its sole Learjet 40XR, streamlining its fleet further.
Now, with DV Aviation in control, these aircraft and the staff at Basin Aviation will broaden the available services at Midland Airpark. The transition is expected to be smooth, with no major changes for regular customers.
Understanding Part 135: What It Means for Travelers and Businesses
To understand why this acquisition matters, it helps to look at what a Part 135 operator is in the world of aviation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets rules for how planes and companies can run charter flights. Part 135 is a section of the FAA’s rules that covers small, non-scheduled air charter flights – also known as “on-demand” flights.
A Part 135 operator can:
- Fly small groups of passengers or small cargo using planes with 30 or fewer seats
- Offer flights on demand rather than on a regular timetable
- Choose which airports to use based on customer needs
However, Part 135 operators also face several rules, including:
- Strict certifications for pilots and crew
- Strict rules about how planes must be maintained and checked
- Limits on the size and type of planes that can be used
- Requirements to have the right insurance
- Strong procedures for flight safety and operations
Although Part 135 operators don’t have to follow as many rules as big airlines (which use Part 121), they still have high standards to meet to keep passengers safe. These rules are set to reduce risks while allowing companies to serve remote or specialized markets that bigger airlines often do not cover.
For travelers, choosing a Part 135 operator like DV Aviation or the former Basin Aviation means access to flexible, private flights with fewer passengers. Businesses such as those in oil, gas, or ranching often depend on these flights to get teams quickly to small towns or job sites that are far from major airports.
You can learn more about FAA certification rules for charter operations through the official FAA page on Part 135 certification.
The Importance of the Move for West Texas
West Texas covers a vast area, with communities far apart and travel by road often slow or impractical. For decades, families, business travelers, and regional companies have relied on small charter operators to bridge the gap between smaller towns and larger cities. Firms like Basin Aviation gained loyal customers by offering dependable service and being able to handle unique travel needs.
With its new, larger footprint at Midland Airpark, DV Aviation can now:
- Provide more flights and a greater selection of destinations
- Offer both charter and FBO services in one place, making trips simpler for customers
- Attract more business from companies in oil, energy, and related fields that depend on frequent regional travel
- Continue the tradition of quick, personalized travel that Basin Aviation started
The move also benefits the staff and crew from both companies. By joining forces, employees may see new job opportunities and expanded training programs, which in turn should mean better service for flyers.
Strategic Growth and the Role of FBOs
One major advantage of the acquisition is the addition of FBO services at Midland Airpark. FBO stands for “fixed-base operator;” these businesses provide the services pilots and aircraft need in between flights, such as fueling, parking, hangaring, and passenger lounges. FBOs also handle ground transportation, weather briefings, and many other details that make flying private more comfortable.
By owning both the charter business and the FBO operations, DV Aviation can manage the whole flight experience from start to finish. This makes it much easier to keep schedules running on time, care for aircraft properly, and provide a high level of comfort for travelers.
Having two King Air B200s, a Learjet 45XR, and a Learjet 75 means that DV Aviation can serve both short hops around Texas and nearby states as well as longer-range trips. Each aircraft suits different needs, from light business flights to family trips.
Integration with the Deerhorn Aviation Team
The earlier merger of DV Aviation with Deerhorn Aviation shows a steady plan built on bringing together local experience and resources. Deerhorn brought its own successful record as a Part 135 operator, mostly flying a King Air B200 out of Midland International. After November 2024, the teams blended their management and operations, letting DV Aviation offer more flights out of more places across West Texas.
According to the companies, this smooth integration improved reliability and gave clients a single point of contact for booking flights. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the approach has received positive feedback from clients who said the new combined company is easier to work with and offers a greater choice of aircraft.
The Broader Impact: Jobs, Business Growth, and Community
The effects of DV Aviation’s growth spread well beyond the airport. Growing a larger local air charter provider creates strong job growth for pilots, mechanics, service staff, and others around Midland Airpark. With more flights leaving and arriving, local businesses tied to aviation – from catering firms to transportation companies – also see more work.
West Texas communities benefit when companies like DV Aviation bring new investment and extra choices for getting in and out of the region. This is especially true during emergencies or periods of rapid business activity, when fast, private flights become essential.
In addition to local advantages, this type of business growth also helps the wider aviation community. With a larger, stronger company operating multiple types of charters and FBO services, Midland Airpark gains a new reputation as a hub for reliable, high-quality aviation services. This can attract even more travel and new business to the area, creating a cycle of growth.
What Comes Next for Customers and the Industry
For regular customers of Basin Aviation, the main promise is a smooth transition and the same level of care they are used to. With the addition of DV Aviation’s larger team and the experience brought in from its merger with Deerhorn Aviation, travelers should see even more flight options and improved ground services at Midland Airpark. For business customers in energy and related fields, it means even more support for fast and reliable regional travel.
For the broader charter flight industry, DV Aviation’s moves in West Texas may signal a trend toward more consolidation. As travel needs grow and become more complex, other small operators could follow this example, combining their resources to better serve customers and compete with bigger aviation firms.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Regional Aviation
The acquisition of Basin Aviation by DV Aviation, with its steady expansion strategy following the Deerhorn Aviation merger, sets a new direction for private aviation in West Texas. With direct operations at Midland Airpark, a proven fleet of safe and comfortable planes, and FBO services all under one roof, DV Aviation stands poised to become a one-stop shop for both business and leisure flyers.
The move offers promise for local job creation and business growth—benefiting travelers, regional companies, and the Midland area community. By combining history, experience, and resources, the new, larger DV Aviation team looks ready to offer the dependable, high-quality services that have long made smaller operators like Basin Aviation a trusted name in Texas flight.
For those interested in the official rules and guidelines covering these types of charter operations, the FAA’s Part 135 Certification page offers clear, up-to-date information.
As private air travel continues to play a major role in connecting wide regions like West Texas, moves like this one at Midland Airpark suggest a bright future for businesses, workers, and flyers alike.
Learn Today
Fixed-base operator (FBO) → A service provider at airports offering fueling, parking, passenger lounges, and ground support for private and charter aircraft.
Part 135 Operator → A company certified by the FAA to conduct on-demand charter flights with small aircraft for passengers or cargo.
Charter Flight → A non-scheduled, private flight arranged for specific passengers or cargo, not operating on a fixed airline timetable.
FAA Certification → Official approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, allowing operators and crews to offer specific aviation services under U.S. regulations.
Learjet 45XR → A high-performance, mid-sized business jet commonly used for private and corporate charter flights, known for speed and comfort.
This Article in a Nutshell
DV Aviation’s recent acquisition of Basin Aviation and prior merger with Deerhorn Aviation signal a major shift in West Texas private aviation. Expanding at Midland Airpark, DV Aviation now offers enhanced charter and FBO services, broader destinations, and streamlined customer experience, setting the stage for continued growth in regional aviation services.
— By VisaVerge.com
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