The upcoming 2026 elections herald a bustling year for campaign travel, with candidates and their teams navigating a complex logistical terrain across the United States. The task of moving politicians, staff, and security is not as straightforward as booking commercial flights, creating a niche industry within aviation. At the forefront, Gregg Brunson-Pitts, CEO of Advanced Aviation Team in Washington, DC, excels in arranging travel for high-profile campaigns and manages contracts worth hundreds of thousands over an election cycle.
Advanced Aviation sets itself apart by offering flexible solutions, from small private jets to customized airliners for large groups. The firm handles intricate details like scheduling, security, and branding, catering to the needs of clients from both political parties. Demand is already emerging for 2026 as various state officials gear up for election battles. Past clients include well-known figures such as Doug Emhoff and Gov. Tim Walz, with the firm famously managing flights for campaigns like Mitt Romney’s in 2012 and Joe Biden’s in 2020.
Despite costs, charters provide essential speed, security, and flexibility. While some, like Bernie Sanders, faced criticism for using private planes, the logistical necessity on packed schedules makes chartering indispensable. The ability to maneuver swiftly across battleground states is often pivotal to campaign success, as seen in financial reports from recent election cycles. Advanced Aviation continues to streamline these complex operations, emphasizing client satisfaction and adaptability through expert coordination.