Business Beat Logo

Business Beat: Business Merger Puts City in Elite Class for Flight Instruction

Sign Up Now   Newsletter Archives

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

 

Commonwealth Aviation Celebrates Merger and Expansion with Aero Elite

In 2020, Founder Kyle McDaniel launched Commonwealth Aviation with one airplane and five customers. The flight school quickly grew its client list by leveraging business relationships and a large customer base at Virginia’s busiest regional airport right here in Manassas. After a recent merger with Aero Elite, the company has expanded to a beautiful 1,300+ square foot office space in APP Jet Center to accommodate 17 Manassas-based instructors, seven administrative staff, and maintenance operations for five to six local aircrafts. The merger — with 40 total instructors across five locations — makes Aero Elite one of the largest flight schools in the mid-Atlantic region.

On November 1, Kyle McDaniel and Aero Elite Founder, Tim Fisher, as well as staff, clients, and City leadership, celebrated the new location and expansion with a ribbon cutting. Nicole Boone, Business Operations Manager for the Manassas location, looks forward to settling in and welcoming pilots and students to the new space, which she describes as an ideal blend of “professional” and “enjoyable.” Boone is confident both Commonwealth Aviation and now Aero Elite have taken exceptional care to treat students like a priority. She feels the new space only adds to that level of service.

Learn more about Aero Elite on their website or visit in person at 9998 Wakeman Drive, Manassas.

 
 

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Supporting Veterans and Our Businesses

Did you know that compared to the national average, the City of Manassas boasts a 20% higher percentage of current and former service members?

Virginia Values Veterans (V3) offers significant value to employers in Manassas by connecting them with a highly skilled and disciplined talent pool of military veterans. The program provides businesses with the training and resources needed to recruit, hire, and retain veterans, ensuring a smooth transition from military to civilian careers. Veterans bring valuable skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure — qualities that can enhance any organization.

In addition, participating in V3 can provide financial benefits. Employers who hire veterans may be eligible for tax incentives, including the Virginia Employment Commission’s Veterans Employment Grant Program, which offers credits to businesses for hiring veterans (up to $10,000 per year, $1,000 per Veteran hired.) Click here to get started.

 

PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT

 

Multiple Industrial and Flex Property Opportunities Available

For more than a year, we’ve been reporting historically low inventory for industrial and flex properties in the City of Manassas. Fortunately for our businesses and growing economy, the market (for the time being) is showing increased availability in these property types.

Current opportunities offer a wide square footage range — from 1,000 square foot to several thousand — with multiple ceiling height, docking, and warehousing combinations.

To view the full range of flex and industrial property listing, click the link below. For more commercial real estate opportunities visit choosemanassas.org/available-property.

View Property