We build aviation systems that actually work.
Asteria Partners is an operator‑led aviation advisory. Asteria Air, our new regional airline, is where we battle‑test the playbook.
We help airports, investors, and operators fix hard problems in network, commercial, and efficiency, using the same systems we're building inside Asteria Air.
Talk with the founders
Asteria Air: Reimagining Regional Aviation
We're building Asteria Air, a next-generation regional airline focused on restoring profitable routes across the Upper Midwest. Our advisory work stems directly from battle-testing these systems in our own operation.
Using a modern Q400 fleet with high-comfort configurations, premium ground and in-flight service, and software-first operations, we ensure unparalleled reliability and efficiency for underserved communities.
Every framework we use with clients is battle‑tested in our own airline.
Network design driven by real demand
Not wishful thinking.
Ops built for reliability
Not marketing decks.
Technology stack chosen to be scrappy
Observable, and automatable.
We only advise in three lanes
Everything we do for clients lives inside the same three systems we're building for Asteria Air.
We're not a full‑service consulting shop. We're airline founders who selectively advise in three places where we have an unfair edge: network and air service, commercial and technology, and overall aviation efficiency. If it doesn't touch those, we probably aren't your team.
Network & air service
Route development, airline partnership strategy, demand forecasting, incentive design, and catchment/leakage analysis using the same playbook we use to design Asteria Air's network.
Commercial & technology
Sales and channel strategy, positioning, data‑driven targeting, and tech roadmapping that we're willing to run ourselves inside Asteria Air.
Overall aviation efficiency
Systems‑level diagnostics, predictive analytics, scheduling, KPI design, and strategic advisory grounded in cockpit time and hands‑on airport and airline work.
This is the work we already do for our own airline. When it helps, we'll do it for you too.
Not a firm of suits. Airline builders who advise.
We blend AI, software, and real aviation scars to help you move faster with fewer unforced errors.
Asteria Partners exists for teams who want operator truth instead of corporate theater. We combine network planning, airport ops, cockpit experience, and software/AI work to build systems that survive contact with real passengers, real crews, and real regulators.
Operator‑first
Founders with cockpit, airport, and fleet scars, not career slide‑makers.
Focused scope
Network, commercial, and overall aviation efficiency. Nothing outside that lane.
Limited, high‑leverage advisory
For teams who want operator truth, not theater.
Who we are
Co‑founders of Asteria Partners
Ross Kinkade
Systems‑minded airline founder, aviation strategist, software operator.
  • Background in urban planning and community development; shifted to aviation strategy at Ricondo.
  • Supported LAWA, Chicago, San Antonio, Munich, and carriers like United, American, Qatar, China Southern, and more.
  • Eight years in the Salesforce ecosystem, building data and software systems for operators.
  • Now focused on designing and running Asteria Air and advising a small set of teams.
Jonathan Rupp
Pilot, ops leader, fleet chief, airline co‑founder.
  • Embry‑Riddle trained, with airport ops experience at PHX and ATL.
  • 4,000+ flight hours across corporate charter, air ambulance, and fleet ops over 15+ years.
  • Former Fleet Chief Pilot, led aircraft recoveries, ops strategy, and pilot teams.
  • Brings cockpit and ops leadership into the design of Asteria Air's operation and our advisory work.
We build systems we're willing to fly.
Where we've done the work
Before Asteria Air, we spent years inside airports, airlines, and fleets. That history is your early‑warning radar.
Asteria's founders have spent their careers working with major airlines, regional carriers, and airports on hard problems like network design, operational efficiency, and market analysis. We've helped carriers rethink routes, improve performance, and grow sustainably, and we now fold that experience directly into how we design and operate Asteria Air.
Major hub airports
In the US and abroad, from complex multi‑terminal operations to international connectors.
Flag carriers and regional airlines
Across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, supporting route launches, demand forecasting, and network strategy.
Corporate, charter, and fleet operators
Handling medical, business, and long‑range missions, where reliability and recovery playbooks actually matter.
We now apply that experience to building Asteria Air, then selectively apply it to your operation when it helps you move faster.
Talk with the founders
If you want generic reports, call a big firm. If you want operator truth from active airline builders, reach out.
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