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Steve Varsano

Founder & CEO

The Jet Business

London, UK

Steve Varsano

Rolly van Rappard

Venus Development Group

Steve Varsano’s Biography

Steve Varsano is a titan of the global corporate jet industry, best known for founding The Jet Business. Recently he has established himself as a social media influencer, sharing insights on his business and industry trends and attracting over a billion views across Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Steve's fascination with aviation began at an early age, and he earned his pilot's licence at just 17. This passion for flying laid the foundation for a career that would transform the way private jets are bought and sold.

Born in New York City, Steve graduated from Embry-Riddle University with a degree in Aeronautical Studies. His early career included a position at the General Aviation Manufacturers Association before he transitioned into aircraft sales, selling his first jet at the age of 23.

Over the next three decades, he established himself as an internationally recognised jet broker and luxury entrepreneur. His entrepreneurial drive also led him to found the Atlantis 2000 Group, a consulting firm focused on private equity investments and corporate M&A across... Steve Varsano is a titan of the global corporate jet industry, best known for founding The Jet Business. Recently he has established himself as a social media influencer, sharing insights on his business and industry trends and attracting over a billion views across Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Steve's fascination with aviation began at an early age, and he earned his pilot's licence at just 17. This passion for flying laid the foundation for a career that would transform the way private jets are bought and sold.

Born in New York City, Steve graduated from Embry-Riddle University with a degree in Aeronautical Studies. His early career included a position at the General Aviation Manufacturers Association before he transitioned into aircraft sales, selling his first jet at the age of 23.

Over the next three decades, he established himself as an internationally recognised jet broker and luxury entrepreneur. His entrepreneurial drive also led him to found the Atlantis 2000 Group, a consulting firm focused on private equity investments and corporate M&A across various sectors.

In 2011 Varsano founded The Jet Business, the world's first street-level corporate aviation showroom. Located in London, this innovative concept transformed the traditional jet sales process by offering a unique and immersive experience for clients. The showroom provides up-to-date product information, global market data, and expert advice, making it a one-stop shop for corporate jet transactions.

Beyond The Jet Business, Varsano has held significant roles in other aviation ventures. He served on the board of Virgin Galactic and XOJET, a private jet charter company.

In recognition of his contributions to the aviation industry, Varsano was awarded the Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award in 2024 at the Living Legends of Aviation conference. He sits on the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Steve Varsano’s Newsfeed

Business Air News

The Jet Business Founder, Steve Varsano, Honoured with Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award

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Simple Flying

Inside The Jet Business: Steve Varsano's Private Jet Empire

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Steve Varsano’s Background

The Jet Business

Founder & CEO

Sep 2011 - Present

London, UK

The Jet Business is the world’s first private jet showroom. It specialises in advising clients on purchasing, selling, and leasing private aircraft, offering tailored solutions and a luxury buying experience. Located in the heart of London, the showroom boasts a full-size mock-up of an Airbus ACJ319 interior and a video wall to display full-size comparisons of all corporate jets.

Yum! Restaurants International

Head of Business Development (Europe & CIS)

Jun 2001 - Sep 2004

Yum! Restaurants International operates globally recognised fast-food chains like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. Based in Dallas and London, Steve was President of the international division of Yorkshire Global Restaurants before it was acquired by Yum! Brands. He was then instrumental in negotiating franchise deals across Russia, Central and Eastern Europe and Asia during his tenure for Yum!.

Triarc Companies Inc.

Senior Vice President

Feb 1986 - May 1993

Triarc Companies Inc., formerly Triangle Industries (New York Stock Exchange publicly traded company), was a conglomerate with interests in real estate, fast food, and packaging, and owned consumer products like Snapple and Arby's. Steve oversaw special projects for several of Triarc/Triangle's subsidiary companies.

Mountleigh International

Chief Operating Officer

Dec 1990 - Sep 1992

London, UK

Mountleigh International was a prominent property development and trading company controlling all properties owned by Mountleigh PLC outside the UK. Steve Varsano oversaw the management and disposition of the company's European property portfolio, valued at over £1 billion.

CMI Aircraft Corp

National Sales Manager

Jun 1984 - Feb 1986

Troy, MI, USA

CMI Aircraft Corp was involved in the sales and leasing of corporate aircraft and re-leased aircraft from the financial institution’s leasing portfolio.

US Aircraft Sales Inc.

Sales Director

Feb 1980 - Jun 1984

McLean, VA, USA

US Aircraft Sales Inc. was a brokerage firm specialising in the sale and acquisition of private and corporate aircraft worldwide. Steve began his time at USAS working in the company's research department and later transitioned to Sales Director.

General Aviation Manufacturers Association

Assistant to the President

Jan 1978 - Feb 1980

Washington, DC, USA

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is a globally recognised trade organisation that represents the diverse interests of general aviation aircraft manufacturers and affiliated businesses. GAMA serves as a leading voice for the industry, advocating for the development, sustainability, and advancement of general aviation worldwide.

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Steve Varsano’s Gallery

Previous Board Positions

XO (Formerly XOJET)

Board Member

Mar 2012 - Apr 2016

Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

XO, formerly XOJET, is a U.S.-based private aviation company offering on-demand jet charters and membership programmes.

Virgin Galactic

Board Member

Dec 2012 - Jan 2016

Virgin Galactic was founded by Richard Branson and is a British-American spaceflight company that specialises in sub-orbital space tourism and scientific research missions.Using its SpaceShipTwo vehicles, it offers passengers brief experiences of weightlessness and views of Earth from space.

Current Advisory Roles

Atlantis 2000 Group

Founder

May 1993 - Present

Miami, FL, USA

Atlantis 2000 Group provides strategic consulting services across various sectors, including aviation, real estate and restaurants. The firm advises companies on business development, acquisitions, and market expansion, leveraging Steve Varsano's extensive industry expertise.

Media

TikTok

Steve's TikTok account (@thejetbusiness) showcases his role as a private jet broker and entrepreneur, featuring insights into his daily business activities, private jet sales strategies, luxurious jet interiors, and exclusive destinations. His videos highlight the high-end, fast-paced world of private aviation.

Interviews

Disruptors: How Steve Varsano Conquered the Luxury Aviation Market at 55

Podcast

Sep 2024

The Jetsetter

Profile

May 2023

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Awards & Recognition

Living Legends of Aviation

Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award

Sep 2024

Charitable Interests

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Trustee

Daytona Beach, FL, USA

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a world-renowned institution specialising in aviation, aerospace, and engineering education. With campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona, it offers cutting-edge programmes, research opportunities, and training, shaping leaders in aviation, space exploration, and related industries worldwide.

Press Releases

Aviation Industry Leader Named to Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Board of Trustees

Nov 2023

Daytona Beach, FL, USA

Steve Varsano’s Education

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Aeronautical Studies, BSc