KaiserAir History
Who We Are
Our experience in first-class international and domestic air travel began in 1946 as the aviation department for industrialist Henry J. Kaiser . Kaiser’s original DC3s and, later, Gulfstream, Jetstar, Lear, Hawker, Challenger, Citation, and other series business aviation jets, frequented international and domestic destinations. Among other pioneering aviation achievements, the Kaiser flight department -headed by Ronald Guerra- flew the first business jet allowed into Peking, China in 1978. Upon the corporate restructuring of Kaiser Industries, KaiserAir became its own company in 1979 with special permission from the Kaiser heirs to use the Kaiser name. KaiserAir, Inc, is still a privately held business managed daily by CEO and President, Ronald Guerra (an original pilot for Henry and Edgar Kaiser), along with outstanding managers and second-generation family members well-experienced in the aviation field.
KaiserAir has flown Fortune 500 executives, Presidents, international heads of state and royalty, political figures, top celebrities, and families just like yours. We are a preferred charter air carrier for professional teams, owners, and officials in the NHL, NFL, NBA, NCAA, MLB, and Olympic-level sports teams. KaiserAir has provided all the team travel for the NHL San Jose Sharks since 2015.
Today, KaiserAir is the oldest and most experienced full-service jet management company in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering all aspects of business jet aviation operations including local executive administration, expert flight planning and dispatch, experienced and highly trained crews, aircraft maintenance, ground support in our Oakland and Santa Rosa FBO facilities, acquisition and sales, and jet charter options. Additionally, in 2011, KaiserAir became the newest Part 121 airline in over 50 years on the Oakland Airport. KaiserAir currently contracts with two private membership clubs to provide round trip airline service to the Big Island of Hawaii: the Kona Shuttle, and the recently launched Hawaii Shuttle.
Our Qualifications
KaiserAir is well-known for its vast experience in aviation luxury travel, superior and friendly service, and an unparalleled 76+ year perfect safety record. Our expertise in small to large business jets, as well as higher-density commercial aircraft for passengers and cargo, ensures you the professionalism, flexibility, and peace of mind knowing we have the capabilities to be ready to go when you are – safely, efficiently, and with the highest levels of customer service.
KaiserAir operates private use aircraft under 14 CFR Part 91. We hold FAA-issued certificates: 14 CFR Part 135 which allows charter of private aircraft for an additional revenue stream, 14 CFR Part 121 with 180 minimum ETOPS which meets legal standards for commercial airline operations (KaiserAir was the first US carrier to become dual certified at the same time and on the first submission to the FAA), and 14 CFR Part 145 for aircraft maintenance. Each certificate requires the rigorous examination and upholding of the demanding standards of the Federal Aviation Administration.