Clearwater aviation firms adds new planes through acquisition

Clearwater-based private aviation company FlyUSA is expanding with the acquisition of Tampa-based 3B Aviation. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. 

The acquisition, according to a statement, expands FlyUSA’s fleet to 15 privately managed aircraft situated across the Tampa Bay region. Prior to the acquisition, 3B Aviation employed 10 pilots and managed 13 aircraft on behalf of more than 25 private owners.

3B Aviation was founded in 2012 in Tampa by Nick Barrows, a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, pilot and flight instructor. As part of the acquisition, Barrows will join FlyUSA as the president of acquisitions and management, according to the statement.