About Our Family

The miracle of flying began for our CEO and President Ed Kilkeary, Sr. in the most dramatic way possible - as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Returning to Latrobe after combat, Ed Sr. parlayed his skill of flying and love of aeronautics into L.J. Aviation named, appropriately enough, for the plane that launched his civilian career - the Lear Jet.

With the same precision, tenacity and focus that made him an exceptional pilot, Ed Sr. founded the company in 1980 and built L.J. Aviation into one of the top charter and aircraft management companies in the country.

L.J. Aviation is truly a family-owned and operated business. Ed Sr., his wife, five children and an extended family of more than 125 employees manage a fleet of 31 multi-purpose aircraft (including large, medium and light jets, turbo-props and helicopters), as well as service clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region with base operations in nine locations nation-wide including Latrobe and Pittsburgh.

Word-of-mouth drove the business in our early years but a stellar reputation and consistent performance - on the ground and in the air - have kept L.J. Aviation soaring ever since.

To keep pace, our services have expanded beyond charter to include aircraft acquisition and turnkey management. Each offering is fundamental to L.J.'s success. All are complemented by an unwavering focus on details, an unyielding commitment to safety compliance and a superior level of quality performance unparalleled in the industry. It's the L.J. Difference. And the ultimate value proposition for our clientele.

This year L.J. Aviation proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary and the passionate vision of Ed, Sr. After three decades of service to our customers and our community, we remain synonymous with high quality and dedicated to an enduring tradition of excellence in all we do and aspire to be.