Over 45 Years of Excellent Aviation Services

In 1971, Interstate Aviation Inc., opened its doors, owned and operated by William (Bill) O’Leary. Bill had one goal in mind, to introduce central Connecticut to the world of aviation and to deliver first-class family-style service to his customers. Interstate quickly grew to become a solid, family-owned business with several of Bill’s children and grandchildren joining the team over the years.

In 2018, after 47 years, Bill decided to retire and look for someone to continue the family business instead of closing its doors. Several people were interested; however, Bill wanted the business to maintain its core values of customer service and the family-oriented environment that he created. Bill found two local business owners with a passion for aviation. Nick Scata, who was a part-time CFI at Interstate, joined together with Zivorad (Ziggy) Tomic to purchase Interstate in December 2018. Both Ziggy and Nick currently run businesses with core values similar to Interstate. With their passion for aviation, they were the right team to build on Interstate Aviation Inc.’s success.

Ziggy and Nick met at a local flight school where they both received their private pilot certificates in 2012. In 2015, they teamed together to acquire a Cirrus SR22 with the thought of developing a small charter operation out of Robertson Airport. Ziggy currently operates a successful helicopter charter in his home country of Serbia and sees a similar need in central Connecticut of bringing local air travel throughout New England with both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Together, Ziggy and Nick see a bright future for Interstate Aviation Inc., building upon Bill O’Leary’s success. And to assist in their endeavors, Bill’s son, Will, and daughters, Lynn and Lisa, have stayed on to help bring the business their father created to the next level.