About Tern Jet Sales
Ethical business jet transactions, powered by operational knowledge
“It’s not just about buying a jet; it’s about finding the right machine and the right operating solution,” Julian Tonsmeire, President/Founder
About Tern Jet Sales
Tern Jet Sales is a team of aviation professionals focused on business jet acquisitions and sales representing Clients across the globe. We make complicated aircraft sales and purchases easy by focusing on ethical transactions and leveraging our operational knowledge from decades of operating all makes on models of modern business jets, helicopters, and turbo-props.
Founded and lead by Julian Tonsmeire, our President, who brings 25 years of aviation expertise to the table. Julian’s extensive background as an aircraft broker CCO, new aircraft sales director, entrepreneur, business jet operations manager, and professional pilot, uniquely qualifies him and his team to lead your next aircraft sale or acquisition. Tern Jet Sales leverages the team’s 50 years of experience overseeing $700M in business jet transactions.
The Origin of the Name
The name Tern Jet Sales holds a special significance. Julian, who grew up in Juneau, Alaska, recalls his wilderness adventures with his father, which often required aviation to reach remote destinations. While on these adventures in Alaska, the Yukon, and Northern British Columbia, the Arctic Tern, was a bird he frequently observed, which inspired the company’s name. Known for its incredible migration from Alaska to Antarctica and back, the Arctic Tern embodies the spirit of global travel and exploration—values at the heart of our company.
So, discover the difference with Tern Jet Sales, where our dedication to ethical transactions powered by operational knowledge will ensure a great aircraft ownership or disposition experience.
Services
At Tern Jet Sales, we offer comprehensive services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients:
Aircraft Sales: Our team assists owners in selling their aircraft, leveraging our extensive market knowledge and global network to ensure optimal outcomes. We handle everything from market analysis and pricing strategy to negotiations and final transactions, providing a seamless and stress-free experience.
Aircraft Acquisition: Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to expand your fleet, we help you find the perfect aircraft. Our acquisition services include market research, aircraft evaluation, and negotiations, ensuring you acquire the right jet that meets your specific needs and budget.
Helicopter Sales and Acquisition: Whether you’re selling an existing helicopter, entering the helicopter world for the first time, or expanding a fleet, we offer a tailored, high-touch experience grounded in operational expertise and real-world aviation knowledge.
Market Intelligence and Aircraft Valuation: Understanding what your aircraft is worth and where the market is at is essential to fleet planning and managing your aviation assets. Let Tern Jet Sales assist.
Business Jet Consultancy: Are you considering expanding your fleet? Adding fractional ownership? Are you considering buying a hangar or building one? Are you interested in acquiring private jets to lease for commercial operations? Tern Jet Sale’s operational experience, network, and diverse aviation skill set can assist in any business aviation consulting need you might have.
Who You’ll Work With
Your aircraft sales and acquisitions experts.
With decades of experience in the aviation industry, Julian has established himself as a trusted authority. (click arrow to read more)
Known for his deep knowledge of a wide range of aircraft and his unwavering dedication to his clients, Julian is well-versed in all facets of business aviation, from operations to sales, making him a rare aviation sales professional with actual operational experience. In addition to his executive acumen, Julian is a seasoned pilot with both domestic and international operating experience. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) with over 4,400 hours of flight experience and is type-rated in Cessna, Dassault, and Embraer business jets.
Raised in Juneau, Julian is a proud Alaskan who now resides in Colorado with his two teenage children. Julian’s unique blend of skills and experience positions him as a leader in the aviation industry, committed to delivering exceptional value and expertise to every client.
Sho Kassam brings 25 years of aviation industry experience to his role as a Partner at Tern Jet Sales.
He began his career in aviation as a flight instructor, followed by work as a corporate pilot. Sho is an entrepreneur who owns and operates a successful flight school, aircraft charter, and management business, in addition to an aircraft maintenance facility. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) with nearly 7,000 hours of flight experience and is type rated in Cessna Citation 525, 680, and Hawker Beech 400 and 750 jets.
Raised in Mombasa, Kenya, Sho comes from a family of Indian migrants who left their homeland during the late 18th century, seeking better opportunities. Following the path of his ancestors, Sho emigrated to the USA in 1999 to pursue his passion for flying and business. Today, he proudly lives the American dream as a U.S. citizen with his wife and two children.
Sho will leverage his extensive knowledge and experience in the aviation industry to help shape and drive the company’s strategic vision and direction, ensuring its continued growth and success.
Kris Klain
Integrator
Kris brings a wealth of experience in aviation, engineering, and operations to his role as Integrator at Tern Jet Sales.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University, he has played a pivotal role in optimizing operations, implementing efficiency initiatives, and analyzing data to drive success across several leading aviation manufacturers. His expertise in streamlining complex systems has been instrumental in enhancing team performance and organizational growth.
Kris’s aviation journey extends beyond the corporate world. A passionate pilot, he spent seven years navigating the rugged backcountry of Alaska in the iconic Piper Super Cub. This experience honed his precision, adaptability, and resourcefulness in some of the most challenging environments. The lessons learned in the wilds of Alaska have deeply influenced his approach to both flying and leadership.
At Tern Jet Sales, Kris embodies a mindset of continuous growth, embracing a leadership style grounded in authenticity, empathy, and trust. He values the unique strengths of each team member, uniting them around a shared vision and motivating them to achieve excellence. Whether managing strategic initiatives or refining processes to better serve clients, Kris is driven by a deep commitment to service excellence and meaningful relationships—core principles that guide his success in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of aviation.
Michael Pintor
Sales Director
With over 13 years of experience in Charter Aircraft Sales and Flight Operations, Michael brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record to the team.
As Sales Director, Michael is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and building enduring relationships with clients, owners, and industry professionals.
Michael’s passion lies in understanding and addressing the unique needs of each client, ensuring a seamless and personalized aircraft sales experience. His deep aviation expertise allows him to navigate market complexities, identify emerging trends, and provide strategic guidance tailored to individual goals.
Believing that success in aircraft sales is rooted in trust and long-term partnerships, Michael prioritizes cultivating strong connections that go beyond transactions. At Tern Jet Sales, he is part of a dynamic team committed to offering unparalleled market insights, comprehensive support, and exceptional results in aircraft sales and acquisitions.
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell an aircraft or seeking a reliable partner in the aviation industry, Michael Pintor is here to guide you every step of the way.
Dave Dziura
Sales Director
Dave Dziura is a highly respected helicopter pilot, flight instructor, and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) based in Colorado.
He brings over a decade of aviation expertise to his role, specializing in helicopter sales and acquisitions. Dave offers clients a seamless and trusted ownership experience backed by real-world flying, training, leadership, and experience as the owner of SafeRotors, a helicopter services and training company.
Known for his calm professionalism and deep technical knowledge, Dave has flown VVIP and corporate helicopter missions, a myriad of commercial operations, mentored private owner-pilots, and designed custom training programs for mountain flying and power management. His hands-on experience managing operations as Part 135 Chief Pilot and Part 141 Chief Flight Instructor reflects his operational depth and dedication to excellence.
Dave is a longtime advocate for aviation safety. He serves as Chair of the Safety Industry Advisory Council for Vertical Aviation International, working closely with industry operators and manufacturers from around the world. As a project lead for the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team and FAA Safety Team Representative, Dave has helped shape national safety initiatives and best practices for the rotorcraft community.
In addition to his training and flight credentials, Dave completed the Safety Management Systems course at the USDOT Transportation Safety Institute and is an Accredited IS-BAO Auditor, further enhancing his ability to advise clients on safe and smart aircraft ownership.
Outside of work, Dave enjoys skiing, rafting, camping, and exploring the American West with his family. Whether buying your first helicopter or adding to a fleet, you can count on Dave for expert insight, grounded guidance, and a true passion for helping clients achieve their aviation goals.
Christopher Dean
Director of Consulting Services
With 30 years in aviation, Christopher Dean is a seasoned expert known for his client-focused approach.
His career spans international operations, aircraft management, and contract-pilot operations, with roles in strategic consulting and certified appraisals.
Christopher has also founded an FAA Part 135 charter service and held roles as a flight department and aircraft manager. As a Lead Demonstration Pilot for Beechcraft in Asia-Pacific, he showcased advanced technology.
Holding 11 aircraft type ratings, including the Bombardier Global, Challenger 300/350, Gulfstream GIV, and Embraer Phenom 100 & 300, as well as others from the Beech family, Christopher brings exceptional technical proficiency and a commitment to excellence in aviation.
Erin Hauser
Director of Marketing
Erin Hauser leverages over a decade of specialized experience in the aviation industry.
Her expertise spans aviation sales, management, charter, and maintenance, providing a comprehensive understanding of all types of aircraft.
Erin boasts 14 years of diverse marketing experience across various industries and excels in developing and implementing strategic marketing campaigns. Her skills are pivotal in enhancing Tern Jet Sales’ brand presence and driving business growth in the competitive aviation market.
Erin’s blend of industry knowledge and marketing expertise makes her a driving force in advancing Tern Jet Sales’ objectives and success.
Rawhan Rather
Sales Operations Specialist
Rawhan Rather serves as Sales Operations Specialist for Tern Jet Sales.
Based out of Kashmir, India, he believes flying is integral to his life and is passionate about aviation.
Rawhan graduated from high school in 2017 and began his aviation journey in the same year. He earned his Commercial Pilot License in Multi-Engine and Single-Engine Aircraft in the USA.
In 2024, Rawhan was selected for an airline pilot position in his native India and earned his type rating on the ATR 72-600. He is looking forward to working with Tern Jet Sales while continuing to build his aviation career.
Seth Nadelman
Sales Operations Specialist
Seth brings a dynamic mix of aviation expertise and market insight to his role as Sales Operations Specialist at Tern Jet Sales.
A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with a deep-rooted passion for aviation, Seth blends hands-on flying experience with a keen analytical approach to sales strategy and aircraft market research.
At Tern Jet Sales, he plays a pivotal role in identifying market trends, supporting client acquisitions and sales, and helping buyers and sellers navigate the complexities of private aviation with clarity and confidence.
When he’s not in the office or the cockpit, you’ll likely find Seth fly fishing or exploring the Colorado outdoors—pursuits that reflect his values of precision, patience, and adventure.
Saharsh Shubham
Sales Operations Specialist
Saharsh is a passionate aviator with a solid foundation in data and computer science.
He brings a unique perspective to the aviation industry. His career in aviation began in 2022, concurrently with his high school classes, and since then, he has worked diligently to earn both his Commercial Pilot License along with his Certified Flight Instructor certificate.
Experienced in both technology and aviation, Saharsh is building his career in private and charter sector in the Aviation industry. He is particularly focused on integrating his technical knowledge with his flying skills to offer unique flight experiences for future clients.
As Saharsh continues to advance his career, he remains dedicated to expanding his expertise and staying at the ahead of the industry, looking for new ways to improve of what’s possible in private aviation.