Our Unique Approach
We understand that every trip is unique, which is why we offer personalized private jet services tailored to meet your individual needs and schedule. Ward Aviation simplifies the process of operating an aircraft for personal or business use, while maintaining transparency in our business model for our clients. From aircraft selection to flight planning and scheduling, we handle all the details so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.
At Ward Aviation, transparency is a core value that drives everything we do. We take great pride in our open and honest communication, and we are always happy to provide clients with all the information they need to make informed decisions about their travel needs. Our clients can trust that every penny they invest in aircraft ownership is being put to good use, and that they have complete visibility into how their assets are being managed. With our transparent approach, aircraft owners can trust that they’re working with a partner who values honesty, openness, and integrity.
Management & Operations
Aircraft Charter
Crew Services
Services
Management & Operations
Our customized aircraft management plans cover everything from flight crew to aircraft maintenance and regulatory compliance, with comprehensive record-keeping and budget management to keep you informed every step of the way. We understand that your time is valuable, so we handle all the logistics, from scheduling to catering and ground transportation, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
At Ward Aviation, we’re dedicated to making private jet ownership stress-free and enjoyable. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, you can count on us to provide the highest level of service and expertise in the industry. Trust us to take care of your private jet needs, so you can focus on what matters most.
Services
Private Aircraft Charter
Our charter service matches you with the perfect aircraft for your specific needs. Our team of dedicated professionals handles everything so you can sit back and enjoy the luxury and convenience of private air travel. After all, life is too short to fly coach.
Ward Aviation is a Gold-rated air carrier with Aircraft Research Group (ARGUS).
Services
Crew Services
Whether you need crew services for a one-time flight or ongoing operations, our experienced pilots guarantee a smooth ride every time. With Ward Aviation, you can trust that your flights will take off without a hitch. Let us handle the details so that you can focus on the journey ahead.
Leadership
Meet the experts behind your successful journey.
Mark Ward
Founder - President
Mark Ward
Growing up with a grass landing strip in his front yard and a professional pilot as his father, Mark developed a lifelong passion for private aviation. Graduating from Western Michigan University with a degree in aircraft management, he currently holds type ratings covering more than 20 different models of business jets. Mark is dedicated to guiding the growth of Ward Aviation and delivering tailored private aviation solutions while maintaining the highest standards of quality, service, and safety.
Sam Ward
Managing Partner - Vice President
Sam Ward
Having spent much of his childhood following his father around the hangar in Grand Rapids, Sam has been immersed in corporate aviation since his first flight in 1992. Graduating with an Aviation Management Degree from Western Michigan University, Sam is type rated in the Citation Excel while flying several different turboprop airframes. Having worked in many different segments servicing private aviation, Sam uses his passion for aviation to deliver safe and transparent aircraft services to existing and new aircraft owners.
Zach Edgar
Director of Operations
Zach Edgar
Zach Edgar, Director of Operations at Ward Aviation since Feb. 2022, has 20+ years of experience in private aviation with a passion for safety and efficiency. He's taken on increasing responsibility, launched a fixed base operation, and has 6,000+ hours of flight experience as a pilot. Zach is type rated in Citation 500 Series, Learjet 45, and Challenger 350 aircraft.
A lifelong resident of Michigan, Zach currently resides in Portland, MI with his wife
and two children.
Nate TenBrink
Director of Client Success
Nate TenBrink
Nate TenBrink joins Ward Aviation as a Flight Scheduler. Bringing over 15 years of aviation experience primarily on the commercial side. The majority of his professional career has been working through progressive leadership roles at a major airline, leading teams within ground operations as well as cabin service. More recently, Nate has been working in various leadership roles within the ground service provider side, managing safety programs to a multitude of airline handling accounts. Nate is a Native West Michigander and resides in Grand Rapids with his wife and 3 daughters.
Amber Matson
Bookkeeping
Amber Matson
Amber Matson joined the Ward Aviation team in December 2021 bringing 7 years of accounting experience. Amber graduated with her associate's degree in accounting in 2016 from ITT Technical Institute and is currently attending Davenport University to finish her bachelor's degree. After living in Arkansas, California, and Ohio, Amber moved to Michigan in 2012 and currently lives in Grand Rapids with her boyfriend.
Testimonials
“Hi Sam I wanted to let you know I was incredibly impressed with your operation yesterday Zach was great and Tim was an amazing pilot. Thanks again.”
“Thanks so much for everything. Both flights were great! The service, communication and professionalism were top notch. So, thanks again!”