Built by pilots, run for owners
Elite Aircraft Services was founded in 2008 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and is headquartered today at Raleigh Executive Jetport (KTTA). We offer acquisition, management, rentals, and flight training — the same team from your first conversation through every flight after.
Based at Raleigh Executive Jetport (KTTA), KRDU, KJZI and KCHS — operating in North America, wherever your mission takes you.
Why Elite exists
Acquiring an aircraft is a significant decision — one that involves considerable investment, technical complexity, and, for those new to aviation, a steep learning curve. I founded Elite Aircraft Services in 2008 to address that challenge directly.
At the time, I observed a clear gap in the market: individuals entering aviation for the first time had no single, trusted resource to guide them through the process. They were left to assemble advice from disparate sources, often without a clear sense of whose interests were truly being served. Elite Aircraft Services was built to close that gap — a genuine turnkey solution, designed to give new owners the clarity and confidence to move forward with certainty.
We began operations at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and demand for this approach grew quickly. To meet it, we opened a second location in Sanford, NC, expanding our capabilities and broadening our service offering to meet the full scope of what our clients required — all delivered to the same consistent standard.
Since our founding, four core values have shaped every aspect of how we operate:
Our Core Values
- SafetyThe foundation of every decision we make.
- HonestyTransparent guidance, regardless of complexity.
- FlexibilitySolutions built around each client’s specific needs.
- DependabilityConsistent execution, every time.
Nearly two decades later, these principles remain unchanged. Whether you are considering aircraft ownership for the first time or seeking a partner with the experience to support a more advanced acquisition, Elite Aircraft Services is here to provide the guidance and expertise required to move forward with confidence.
Thank you for considering Elite Aircraft Services.
Matt Walsh — Founder, Elite Aircraft Services
We take private aviation to extraordinary heights.
Connect with Our Team →Based at Raleigh Executive Jetport, ready to serve you anywhere
Most of our clients are based across the Triangle — see what we offer pilots and owners in Raleigh, or read about on-field aircraft detailing and what the team has been up to lately.
The people behind Elite
Matt Walsh
OwnerOwner of Elite Aircraft Services, the Raleigh-Durham-based flight training center and aircraft management company. A graduate of Western Michigan University with ties to Legacy Warbirds, Matt has built Elite into a full-service operation spanning flight instruction, pilot services, and aircraft management.
LinkedIn ↗Maya Roth
General ManagerGeneral Manager of Elite Aircraft Services, overseeing day-to-day operations. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Maya helps lead the team’s growth, including current hiring for flight instructor roles on the Vision Jet (SF50).
LinkedIn ↗Ed Oleksy
VP, Flight Operations & Sales / Chief PilotVice President of Flight Operations & Sales and Chief Pilot at Elite Aircraft Services. He also owns WNY Aviation Consultants and holds a degree from the University at Buffalo, pairing broad industry experience with hands-on flight leadership.
LinkedIn ↗What clients say
Clients consistently cite Elite Aircraft Services’ responsiveness, safety-first culture, and instruction quality — reflected in a 4.5-star rating on Google.
★ 4.5 on Google Flown with us? Leave a review →
“I view Elite Aircraft Services as a key strategic partner that helps me better conduct my business. My missions are always changing—different trips, different distances, different number of people—and I can count on Elite Aircraft Services to respond immediately.”
Jeff Whitacre — Founder, President & CEO, USConnect, Inc.
“I have complete confidence Elite will always do the right thing for me. Elite is one of those rare companies where I never have to second guess my decisions.”
Jonathan Bennett — Owner, Composite Resources & Founder, CORE Autosport
“I have been using Elite Aircraft Services for over five years now and have always found the service to be outstanding. Elite has a team of professional pilots that are incredibly safe and always make that a priority over everything else, without sacrificing service.”
Carl Ferland — Denny’s Success
“Elite’s expert instructors advanced me from a modest private pilot certificate to first an instrument rating, and then to professional levels with a commercial single-engine and multi-engine rating. Now, I am transitioning to jets.”
Chris Stern — IFEM Management Consultants Inc.
“I gifted my husband an introductory flight class with Elite Aircraft Services and it far exceeded our expectations! From the moment we stepped foot in the hangar, we were greeted with such professionalism.”
Angela Gallimore — Google review, ★★★★★
“Elite is absolutely wonderful! Professional, experienced, and has made this learning experience for a busy working mom the best. Accommodating for those with a busy schedule.”
Erica DeLong — Google review