May 4th, 2026

Airwaves Newsletter

Table of Contents

One Team, Two Divisions, Endless Private Air Charter Options

As spring takes flight, we’re pleased to bring you the latest from Air New England (ANE) and Symphony Private Jets (SPJ), your trusted partners for private charter flights! Flying multiple flights throughout New England, Canada, and the Eastern Seaboard with Air New England, we continue to increase our national and global air charter presence with Symphony Private Jets!

We have one amazing team of private charter aviation specialists representing both ANE and SPJ who make a daily commitment to ensure our clients receive the most personalized, customized, and memorable experience on the ground and in the air.

We thank you for your support, and look forward to seeing you on a flight soon!

– The ANE/SPJ Charter Teams

All Dressed Up and Ready to Charter

Fresh from a complete exterior repaint and an extensive maintenance inspection, our King Air C90 is back in the fleet and ready to fly! This refreshed aircraft combines the proven performance and reliability our clients trust with a clean, updated look that reflects the quality and detail orientation of our operation.

Ideal for efficient regional travel, the C90 continues to deliver a smooth, comfortable experience while providing the flexibility and access that clients find so valuable. Its return strengthens our ability to serve a wide and growing range of missions with consistency, style, and confidence. 

ANE/SPJ Pilot Introductions

Our pilots are more than operators—they’re trusted professionals who bring calm, precision, and care to every flight. Meet the team behind the experience.

Rick O’Kane

Chief Pilot

Sam Barrett

Assistant Chief Pilot, Flight Instructor

Sam Lutz

Assistant Chief Pilot, Director of Training, Flight Instructor

Ben Rossi

Pilot, Flight Instructor

Maxim "Max" Harris

Pilot, Flight Instructor

Brian Dawson

Pilot, Flight Instructor

Eric Sherer

Pilot, Flight Instructor

Stephan Linehan

Pilot, Flight Instructor

Justin Foley

Pilot, Flight Instructor

GSA Contract Holder

Symphony Private Jets continues to offer air transportation services to government agencies. The fact that we completed a rigorous GSA vetting process to become a GSA Contract Holder signals to agencies and commercial clients alike that we are reliable, compliant, and trustworthy. Federal buyers can easily find us and purchase our services through official government procurement platforms, such as GSA Advantage and GSA eBuy.   

Aircraft Management Program

Offset your operating costs with a mutually beneficial lease agreement with Air New England! You have the option of placing your aircraft on our certificate, OR you can have your aircraft privately managed by us. We would love to work with you! For more details, please email us at charter@airnewengland.com.

Some benefits of being added to Air New England’s Part 135 Charter Certificate Aircraft include:
Revenue Generation:

Air New England can sell flights when the aircraft is not in personal use.

The operator handles regulatory compliance, crew training, scheduling, dispatch, safety programs, maintenance oversight, and all FAA requirements.

The operator provides vetted, trained pilots and 24/7 dispatch resources.

Part 135 operators maintain strict safety standards, audits, and operational manuals.

Operators often have buying power for fuel, insurance, maintenance, and training. Owners can often access discounted rates they wouldn’t be able to secure on their own for fuel, insurance, maintenance, and training.

More hours flown keeps the aircraft active, which supports aircraft performance and reliability.

Ensures the aircraft is ready and supported 24/7.

Summer Flights Already Booking

Summer travel is already being quietly secured across our network, with preferred aircraft and peak dates becoming increasingly limited.

For clients who value flexibility, discretion, and seamless execution, early planning ensures access to the right aircraft, on your schedule—without compromise.

We recommend confirming your summer travel in advance to secure priority availability and maintain complete control over your itinerary.

Our team is available. Call (603) 351-5151 to coordinate your summer flights now.

Meet Boston Partners

ANE and SPJ are now proud Meet Boston Partners!

ANE and SPJ are now connected with over 1,000 partners through Meet Boston, the primary private sector marketing and visitor services organization charged with the development of meetings, conventions, and tourism-related business. Partnering with them not only enhances the economy of Boston, Cambridge, and the metropolitan area, but opens doors in more New England locations for our private air charter services.

You Asked, We Listened

In response to repetitive client requests, our most economical aircraft, the Baron 58, is now available for seamless travel through the Canadian Maritimes. For many years, the Baron 58 has offered nimble, efficient solutions throughout New England for accessing smaller regional airports closer to your final destination.

Whether you’re heading to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island, this aircraft provides a reliable and flexible option for both business and leisure travel, minimizing travel time while delivering a smooth and comfortable flight experience.

Snowbirding to Florida

It’s never too early to start planning your travel south for the winter—and we invite you to think of Air New England and Symphony Private Jets for a seamless journey to Florida and the Carolinas. Skip the crowds, delays, and rigid schedules of commercial travel and enjoy a personalized experience built entirely around your timeline.

Whether you’re heading down for the season or making frequent trips throughout the winter, our team is ready to provide efficient, comfortable, and reliable service every step of the way—so you can start enjoying the sunshine the moment you leave home.

Empty Legs

Empty leg flights are a smart way to access private aviation at a fraction of the usual cost, offering premium aircraft already scheduled to reposition. Availability changes quickly, so keep an eye out for empty leg emails that allow you to take advantage of these unique, time-sensitive opportunities whenever they arise.

For questions or to be added to our empty leg notification list, call (603) 351-5151 to get more information from a Charter Specialist.

Contact Us

Have more questions about ANE and SPJ? Check out our websites, or get in touch with one of our representatives.

Air New England, LLC.
62 Durham Street,
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Symphony Private Jets
62 Durham Street,
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Portsmouth Headquarters

Portsmouth International Airport at Pease
62 Durham Street,
Portsmouth, NH 03801

Rick O’Kane

Chief Pilot

  • Took first flight lesson at Hopedale-Draper (MA) Airport the day after the American Bicentennial, July 5, 1976. 
  • Used remainder of GI bill to get advanced pilot ratings at Hanscom Field in Bedford, MA.
  • Began flying full-time in 1983, working through small commuter airlines, night freight carriers, and finally on to the major airlines. Retired from American Airlines in 2017.
  • Spent many years in print and broadcast journalism, including as sportswriter, photographer, airborne traffic reporter, and play-by-play broadcaster for football, basketball, baseball, and hockey at the high school, college, and minor league pro level.
  • He and his wife enjoy 4 grandchildren and 7 cats in their leisure time.

Sam Barrett

Assistant Chief Pilot, Flight Instructor

  • ATP-Rated Captain 
  • Flies Air New England’s King Airs and Citation Mustang
  • Flew proving runs with the FAA on board in May of 2024 to bring Air New England into the jet age!
  • Loves to find any excuse to get outside with his son and wife, whether fishing, hiking, skiing, or running

Sam Lutz

Assistant Chief Pilot, Director of Training, Flight Instructor

  • Airline Transport Pilot, Multi-engine land certificate
  • Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle
  • Held a Commercial Pilot Certificate at Age 18
  • Flew proving runs with the FAA on board in May of 2024 to bring Air New England into the jet age!
  • Skis in the winter, golfs in the summer, and plays soccer year-round

Ben Rossi

Pilot, Flight Instructor

  • Bachelor’s degrees in Flight Technology and Electrical Engineering
  • Got his start in aviation flying seaplanes 
  • Is an avid hiker in the summer and skier in the winter

Maxim "Max" Harris

Pilot, Flight Instructor

  • Commercial Multi-Engine Certificate and Flight Instructor
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering
  • Learned to fly in NH and trained in Alaska & Colorado
  • Skier, surfer, rock climber, and ultramarathoner
  • Played saxophone professionally in a funk band for 10 years

Brian Dawson

Pilot, Flight Instructor

  • Got his Private Pilot’s License while serving on the USS Flasher (SSN 613) in San Diego in 1982.
  • After departing the service, he gained licenses and ratings through Airline Transport Pilot and Flight Instructor.
  • Processed through 4 bases and 3 turboprops at a regional for 6 years. Flew for America West and United Airlines until 9/11, at which time he was furloughed. Then flew for JetBlue Airways from 2004 until retiring in 2025.
  • Flies his Grumman Traveler frequently, both locally and on longer trips to Florida, the Carolinas, Lake Michigan, and as far west as Kansas City. 
  • Enjoys cycling, hiking, and other travels with wife Leesa and 2 grown sons.

Eric Sherer

Pilot, Flight Instructor

  • Holds and Airline Transport, Multi Engine Land Certificate
  • Served in the USAF as a Flight Engineer on the C-141 Transport aircraft
  • Was an FAA ATC in Newark, Miami, and Boston Logan
  • Learned to fly at 18
  • Hobbies include photography and playing the piano

Stephan Linehan

Pilot, Flight Instructor

  • Worked as a CFI, then an MEI, before flying King Airs and jets in Texas
  • Army Veteran
  • Used the GI Bill to go to flight school
  • He raises chickens and ducks with his wife and daughter
  • Enjoys fly fishing and fly tying in both freshwater and saltwater

Justin Foley

Pilot, Flight Instructor

  • Certified Flight Instructor Single and Multi-Engine Land
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Bates College
  • Born and raised in New England and began flying in 2019 out of Beverly, MA
  • Loves animals and spending time outside, particularly in the snow or on any body of water
  • When not flying real airplanes, Justin can also be found flying RC scale models