Company

Bemidji Aviation Services, Inc. is a full-service, fixed-based operator (FBO) located at the Bemidji Regional Airport (KBJI). We are a Part 135 freight operator, and conduct photo flights and flight instruction. Our location in Bemidji is the headquarters for a larger network, operating in seven states throughout the Midwest and Central Rockies. Hubs we operate out of include: KMSP (Minneapolis), KFSD (Sioux Falls), and KDEN (Denver), and FAR (Fargo).

The airline was established in 1946 and started operations in 1947 with a single Noorduyn Norseman aircraft. After acquisition by a partnership in 1970, the company operated four Cessna 150 aircraft, used for fire patrol, flight instruction and passenger charter services.

From 1981 to 1991, the airline operated with scheduled service from Bemidji, Thief River Falls, Worthington, and Mankato, MN to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. In the mid-eighties the business expanded to include many regional cargo freight runs and added many larger aircraft.

Since 1991, our primary activities have been small-feeder cargo services, passenger and cargo charters, and operating a full-service FBO at the Bemidji Airport.

In 2007, Bemidji Aviation adopted an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

In January 2017, Business Aviation Courier DBA Encore Air Cargo, based out of Sioux Falls, SD was acquired from BBA Aviation. With the 2017 acquisition, our company expanded its family and is now home to over 120 employees.

Bemidji Aviation is proud to be one of the oldest continuously operating FBO’s in America

The cargo fleet at Bemidji Aviation is made up of both piston and turbo prop aircraft. We use Beech Excalibur Queen Airs, Beech 99’s and Metroliner III’s to transport cargo for multiple, large-scale mail carriers both nationally and abroad. We also offer cargo charter service to individual customers.

Our single-engine Cessna 172’s are available for photo flights and personal rental. With these aircraft, we promote and sustain a well-rounded flight training program lead by experienced certified flight instructors (CFI’s). Our program has proven itself vital in maintaining the health of local aviation.

Our fleet is maintained by our own maintenance department in Bemidji. We employ a team of highly skilled, knowledgeable mechanics and avionics technicians. In addition to maintaining company aircraft, our staff provides maintenance services to our customers. Our maintenance department offers both complete airframe and powerplant (A&P) services.

Bemidji Aviation Services is also home to an ARSA certified repair station. Learn more about the Aeronautical Repair Station Association here.