Company
Bemidji Aviation
Bemidji Aviation Services, Inc., located in Bemidji Minnesota, is a full-service FBO (Fixed Base Operator) located at the Bemidji Regional Airport (KBJI), a Part 135 passenger and freight operator, and conducts 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), FAR (Fargo), DFW (Dallas), and ICT (Wichita).
The airline was established in 1946 and started operations in 1947 operating a single Noorduyn Norseman aircraft. After acquisition by a partnership in 1970 the company operated four Cessna 150 aircraft, mainly for fire patrol, flight instruction and passenger charter services.
From 1981 to 1991, the airline operated with scheduled service from Bemidji; Thief River Falls, Minnesota; Worthington, Minnesota; and Mankato, MN all to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. In the mid-eighties they expanded the business to include many regional cargo freight runs, and added many larger aircraft.
Since 1991, primary activities have been small-feeder cargo services, passenger and cargo charters, and typical fixed-base operations at the Bemidji Airport.
In January 2017, Sioux Falls, South Dakota based Business Aviation Courier (DBA Encore Air Cargo) was acquired from BBA Aviation. With the 2017 acquisition, the company now has 120 employees.
The company became a 100% ESOP in 2007.
Bemidji Aviation is one of the oldest continuously operating FBOs in America.

OUR FLEET
The passenger fleet includes piston, turbo prop and jet aircraft. We operate a Beech Excalibur Queen Airs and a Cessna CJ525 Jet for passenger work. We seek to provide comfort and convenience to our customers, as our business is built on a foundation of satisfied customers.
The cargo fleet at Bemidji Aviation is made up of piston and turbo prop aircraft. We have Beech Excalibur Queen Airs, Beech 99’s and Metroliner IIIs on our cargo flights.
Our single engine fleet of Cessna 172s are available for photo flights as well as rental. Also with these aircraft we promote and sustain a vibrant flight training program that is vital in maintaining the health of local aviation.
Our Fleet is maintained by our maintenance department in Bemidji. We have highly skilled and knowledgeable mechanics, who maintain our aircraft as well as providing maintenance services to our customers. Our maintenance department is full service, offering both complete airframe and powerplant services.
BEECH QUEEN AIR
- Up to 6 Passengers
- Cargo Capacity of 2000 lbs
- Internal Volume over 200 Cu. Ft.
- Speed of 200 MPH
METROLINER III
- Pressurized
- Turbine Powered
- Cargo Only, opening 53′ x 51′
- Cargo Capacity 4700 lbs
- Internal Volume 630 Cu. Ft.
- Speed of 290 MPH
BEECH 99 AIRLINER
- Turbine Powered
- Cargo Capacity 3000 lbs
- Internal Volume over 375 Cu. Ft.
- Speed of 225 MPH
CESSNA JET 525
- Executive Aircraft
- Up to 5 passengers
- Air conditioned
- Pressurized
- Turbo Jet
- Cargo Capacity
- Speed of 410 MPH