Buffalo River Aviation Services of Bentonville has received its Federal Aviation Administration Part 135 air carrier certificate, enabling the company to operate on-demand private charter flights under its own authority.
The certification marks an important step in the company’s growth, according to a press release. The FAA certification process requires operators to demonstrate compliance with rigorous federal standards for pilot training, aircraft maintenance, flight operations and safety management.
Buffalo River Aviation will bring its fleet of three King Air turboprops, three CitationJets and one Cessna Citation Sovereign to its own operating certificate over the next six months. The company expects to add another CitationJet and a Sovereign within a year.
Buffalo River Aviation began offering charter services with Central Flying Service of Little Rock in December 2023, while developing its own charter operation. Since February 2025, it has operated under JetTech Charters’ FAA operating authority.
“We are grateful to JetTech for its partnership and continued support throughout this process,” said Buffalo River Aviation CEO Chris Townsley. “This achievement also reflects years of preparation and the dedication of our pilots, maintenance professionals and operations team.”
Buffalo River Aviation recently expanded its primary hangar facilities at Thaden Field in Bentonville and expanded storage, maintenance and fueling operations in North Little Rock, Oklahoma City and Neosho, Missouri.
“Earning our own FAA operating certificate is a significant milestone that gives us the flexibility to continue investing in our fleet, our people and the exceptional service our clients expect,” Townsley said.
Buffalo River Aviation employs 11 pilots and four administrative staff members and plans to hire two more pilots by the end of the year. About half of Buffalo River Aviation’s customers are based in Arkansas. Frequent destinations include Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, New York and Seattle. The company also donates aircraft and pilot time to charitable missions, including Make-A-Wish and the Special Olympics Airlift, the release stated.
“This milestone positions Buffalo River Aviation for our next phase of growth,” Townsley said. “We’re investing in additional aircraft, facilities and people to continue delivering safe, dependable service and to help connect Arkansas businesses and families to destinations across North America.”
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