Global Elite Group
Global Elite Group is the largest pure-play unarmed aviation security provider in the US, deploying approximately 1,800 personnel across 19 of the top 20 US airports. It serves airport authorities, airlines, cargo operators, and charter operators under long-term multi-year contracts.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersGarden City, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Global Elite Group does
Global Elite Group, Inc. is a US-based aviation security services provider headquartered in Garden City, operating as the largest pure-play provider of unarmed aviation security services in the United States. The company delivers four integrated service lines — Aviation Security (passenger and perimeter security), Charter & Special Operations (VIP and special operations security), Cargo Security (screening aligned with TSA and international standards), and Program Oversight (strategic oversight, compliance management, and quality assurance). Its core operational technology combines trained security personnel with operational systems for risk mitigation, rather than proprietary software platforms.
The company generates revenue through long-term, multi-year managed services contracts with major airport authorities, domestic and international airlines, cargo operators, and charter operators. It employs approximately 1,800 personnel deployed across 19 of the top 20 US airports, serving named clients including Air India, United Airlines, and Atlas Air. The go-to-market motion is enterprise field sales targeting airport authorities and carriers, with services delivered on-site at customer airport locations.
Global Elite Group generated approximately USD 100 million in revenue for 2025. The company was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Securitas AB (a publicly traded Swedish security firm) until March 31, 2026, when it was divested to H.I.G. Capital (a private equity firm with $74 billion AUM) in a corporate carve-out transaction. Under H.I.G. Capital's ownership, the firm is positioned for growth through further investment in service quality and team development. The company was founded over 20 years ago by William McGuire.
Global Elite Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Global Elite Group
- Legal name
- Global Elite Group, Inc.
- Website
- https://globaleliteinc.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- Global Elite Group is the largest pure-play unarmed aviation security provider in the US, deploying approximately 1,800 personnel across 19 of the top 20 US airports. It serves airport authorities, airlines, cargo operators, and charter operators under long-term multi-year contracts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Global Elite Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Aviation Security Services
- NAICS
- Airport Operations (48811)
- SIC
- Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)
- akta.pro primary industry
- VIP, Crew & Staff Screening / Fast-Track Security (BPAKAMAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Hold Baggage & Cargo Screening Services (BPAKAMAB), Operational Security (Airside Access, Screening Coordination) (THABAIAN)
Keywords
Where Global Elite Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Garden City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Markets served
Global Elite Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Aviation Security Services: Professional aviation security services delivered to airports, airlines, and charter operators under long-term multi-year contracts. Revenue generated approximately USD 100 million in 2025. Services include passenger and perimeter security, cargo screening, and special operations support.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels2 records
Global Elite Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Global Elite Group provides professional aviation security services to commercial airports, airlines, cargo operators, and charter operators across the United States. The company delivers unarmed passenger and perimeter security, cargo screening aligned with TSA and international standards, specialized charter and VIP security, and strategic program oversight and compliance management through approximately 1,800 trained security personnel deployed at 19 of the top 20 US airports.
Product overview
Global Elite Group is a unified aviation security services provider offering four integrated service lines: Aviation Security (passenger and perimeter security for commercial airports), Charter & Special Operations (private charter, VIP, and special operations security), Cargo Security (cargo screening aligned with TSA and international regulatory standards), and Program Oversight (strategic oversight, compliance management, and quality assurance). The company operates as a single-service-portfolio model with approximately 1,800 personnel providing unarmed aviation security services at 19 of the top 20 U.S. airports, serving major airport authorities, airlines, and charter operators under long-term multi-year contracts. The company generated approximately USD 100 million in sales in 2025.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Aviation Security
Companies that use Global Elite Group
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Global Elite Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Global Elite Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators3 records
Recent moves4 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Global Elite Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Securitas AB: Global security services giant and GEG's former parent until March 2026. Competes in aviation security as part of a broad security portfolio spanning guarding, electronic security, and risk services across multiple industries.
- ABM Industries: Facility services provider with a dedicated Aviation division offering airport services including security, janitorial, and passenger assistance. Competes for airport authority contracts in adjacent service lines.
- GardaWorld: Global security and cash services company with aviation security offerings as part of a diversified physical security portfolio. Comparable in scale and contract-driven B2B model but broader in scope.
- Allied Universal: Largest U.S. security services firm offering aviation and airport security alongside broader guarding and integrated security solutions. Competes with GEG for enterprise contracts but does not specialize in pure aviation.
Direct peers
- ICTS Europe: Aviation security specialist providing passenger and hold-baggage screening, document verification, and security consulting across European airports. Closest international analog to GEG's pure-play aviation security model.
- Covenant Aviation Security: TSA-approved aviation security services provider focused on cargo and passenger screening at U.S. airports. Directly competes with Global Elite Group for screening contracts under similar regulatory frameworks.
Regional players
- National Aviation Services (NAS): Middle East and Africa-focused aviation services platform providing ground handling, cargo, and security at airports. Operates a comparable multi-service aviation model in a different geography.
Emerging players
- Brink's Incorporated: Secure logistics and cash management company with growing aviation security and secure transport offerings. Overlaps with GEG's cargo and high-value security services in adjacent use cases.
Others
- SITA: Air transport technology provider for airports, airlines, and governments. Complementary rather than competitive — its biometric, identity-management, and security-tech offerings often pair with personnel-based security providers like GEG.
- Daifuku: Global provider of material handling and automated security screening systems (including checked-baggage and cargo screening equipment). Adjacent technology supplier to aviation security operators rather than a direct competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Global Elite Group social profiles
Digital presenceGlobal Elite Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Global Elite Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Global Elite Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Global Elite Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Global Elite Group
What does Global Elite Group do?
Global Elite Group provides professional aviation security services to commercial airports, airlines, cargo operators, and charter operators across the United States. The company delivers unarmed passenger and perimeter security, cargo screening aligned with TSA and international standards, specialized charter and VIP security, and strategic program oversight and compliance management through approximately 1,800 trained security personnel deployed at 19 of the top 20 US airports.
Is Global Elite Group a public or private company?
Global Elite Group is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Global Elite Group founded?
Global Elite Group was founded in 2004. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is Global Elite Group based?
Global Elite Group is headquartered in Garden City, United States, in the North America region.
How does Global Elite Group make money?
One revenue line is on record: aviation Security Services.
Who are Global Elite Group's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Securitas AB, ABM Industries, GardaWorld and Allied Universal. Direct peers are ICTS Europe and Covenant Aviation Security. National Aviation Services (NAS) is listed as a regional player. Brink's Incorporated is listed as an emerging player. Others are SITA and Daifuku.
Does Global Elite Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for Global Elite Group.
What industry is Global Elite Group in?
Global Elite Group's product category is Aviation Security Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAKAMAF, VIP, Crew & Staff Screening / Fast-Track Security, with a secondary code of BPAKAMAB, Hold Baggage & Cargo Screening Services. Its NAICS code is 48811 and its SIC code is 4581.