How the Payment Worked

Joe Chaulklin, CEO and Founder of Freedom Air Services.

RENO, Nev., Oct. 19, 2026 -- Freedom Air Services, a Part 135 charter operator headquartered in Reno, made the first known cryptocurrency purchase of Jet A fuel between a charter operator and an FBO on Monday, Oct. 19. Freedom Air paid Stellar Aviation's Reno-Tahoe FBO for fuel and services in the GiveBack ($GBACK) crypto token, and the payment settled on-chain, powered by Solana.

Freedom Air's charter clients can now pay Freedom Air directly in cryptocurrency for their flights. The company accepts any token supported on the Solana blockchain, including Solana (SOL), USDC and $GBACK, as well as Bitcoin (BTC).

The fuel purchase is the second industry first for Freedom Air. Founded in 2024, the company flew its first charter in 2025 and became the first operator to fly the Epic E1000 on charter. It now flies nine aircraft from seven locations in Nevada, California, Utah and Florida, and in September it added a Pilatus PC-12, further expanding its offering.

The payment was made at Freedom Air's home airport, and the transfer is publicly recorded on the Solana blockchain.

The payment moved through the $GBACK protocol, which is built for business transfers: it reimburses price impact to maintain stability of the transfer, handles fees and rebates, and streamlines know-your-business (KYB) checks so settlement is fast and predictable. For this reason, $GBACK was used for the transaction rather than a general-purpose token.

"Reno is home for Freedom Air, so making the first on-chain payment at our home airport meant a lot to us. A new generation of travelers is coming into private aviation with their wealth on-chain, and we want to be ready to fly them."

Stellar Aviation Goes On-Chain

Stellar Aviation Group announced the same day that its FBO network now accepts cryptocurrency for fuel, services, hangar rentals and other charges. Freedom Air plans to pay on-chain at more Stellar locations.

"We are excited for this new chapter for our FBOs and the industry," said Brad Kost, chief operating officer of Stellar Aviation. "As the world's new generation begins its journey into private aviation, Stellar Aviation will be there to welcome them."

About Stellar Aviation

Stellar Aviation delivers top-tier FBO support for everything from single-engine planes to long-range corporate jets, with white-glove service and competitive pricing for every traveler, including ultra high net worth clientele. Stellar operates in Reno, NV; Carson-Tahoe, NV; South Palm Beach, FL; and Springfield, IL.

about freedom air

Freedom Air Services is a Part 135 charter and aircraft management company headquartered in Reno, Nev. Founded in 2024, the company flew its first charter in 2025, becoming the first operator to put the Epic E1000 on charter. Today it operates a nine-aircraft fleet from seven locations in Nevada, California, Utah and Florida and offers private charter across the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean.