Northwest Missouri Aero Group Acquires Controlling Interest in ATD Flight Systems

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Amzeal -- Northwest Missouri Aero Group, led by St. Joseph-based Managing Partner Lute Atieh, acquired a controlling interest in ATD Flight Systems on June 8, 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Founded in 1996 by Bill Hays, ATD is the parent of ATD Air Charter, an FAA Part 135 on-demand jet charter operator; ATD Aircraft Management; and ATD Pilot Training, an FAA-approved Part 141 school. ATD has held its Part 135 certificate and Part 141 approval for over 20 years. Hays has retired. His daughter, Keara Neifach, who led ATD for the past five years, remains an owner and works with the new partners.

The combined organization operates 25 aircraft and employs approximately 75 full- and part-time team members across five locations in Kansas City, Clinton, St. Joseph and Columbia, Missouri, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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"We're honored to work alongside Keara and the ATD team as we build the company's next chapter together," Atieh said.

ATD's charter and aircraft management experience centers on Citation XLS+ and CJ-series aircraft, supported by in-house pilot training and maintenance. The Pilatus PC-12 will be its next platform. ATD employs all charter pilots full time and operates every charter flight with two pilots. Its integrated model improves aircraft readiness and consistency while reducing handoffs and complexity for customers and owners.

ATD operates from Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport and frequently repositions aircraft to regional airports or arranges black car service to its downtown base. New triple-net jet lease options for qualifying buyers of approved aircraft are structured to provide a cost-neutral ownership experience and reduce personal flying expenses.

ATD Pilot Training provides Part 141 instruction in Kansas City, Columbia and Cedar Rapids. FlyTech provides Part 61 training in St. Joseph, with Clinton service planned. ATD holds FAA examining authority for approved Part 141 courses. The FAA reports that about 15% of certificated Part 141 schools hold examining authority for at least one approved course.

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Beginning in October 2026, ATD will offer upset prevention and recovery training and tailwheel training. Twin-engine and instrument boot camps will be available in downtown Kansas City, where students gain experience in complex, controlled airspace from the start.

Northwest Missouri Aero Group brings together pilots, aviation educators, business operators, investors and enthusiasts focused on expanding aviation services and rural flight training, including time-critical transportation of healthcare teams and organs. The group is led by Atieh alongside partners Jason Waggoner, Dan Batliner, Ryan Eccles, Colin McKee, Mark Gaines, Daniel Lamaster, Anthony Baruth and Jason C. Chase.

Full announcement and editorial media: https://luteatieh.com/press/atd-flight-systems-acquisition/