Horizon Air Group, which acquired Word Class Jet (dba Starbase Jet) last year, is rebranding as Leviate. The change is meant to mark its development into a full-service business aviation company with air charter brokerage, aircraft sales and acquisitions, and aircraft charter/management divisions under one roof. The move also alleviates a legal squabble with Alaska Airlines over its abandoned use of the Horizon brand name.

“To say Alaska/Horizon Airlines had no influence on our rebranding decision wouldn't be the whole truth, but we honestly also took it as a compliment that our once small company so quickly caught the eye of such a powerhouse in aviation,” said Leviate founder and CEO Luis Barros. He added that the name Leviate captures the essence of upward movement.

The company, which started out as just a charter broker in 2015, has added capabilities from whole aircraft brokerage to aircraft operations since then. “By the close of 2020, we anticipate having 20 aircraft under our management. This will position Leviate as a substantial air charter operator in the U.S.,” Barros said.