Category: About People

Hayes to Lead Airbus in North America 

Airbus has announced that C. Jeffrey Knittel is retiring as chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas, Inc. effective June 3, 2024, after serving as the region’s top executive since 2018. He will remain with Airbus through a transition period. Robin Hayes, former CEO of JetBlue Airways, has been selected to succeed him. 

Hayes brings 35 years of global aerospace leadership to Airbus having served in a series of  senior executive roles at British Airways over the course of his 19-year tenure, and JetBlue, where he was CEO for nine years. From 2020 to 2022, Hayes was chair of the IATA’s Board of Governors, where he championed the association’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Hayes will report to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.  

“I am delighted to welcome Robin to Airbus,” said Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury. “Together with the leadership team we’re looking forward to having Robin and his vast industry experience onboard to further deliver on our strategic objectives for the region across all the Airbus businesses and further grow our North American footprint. I want to thank Jeff for his many contributions to Airbus’ success over the years, and I wish him all the best for a well deserved retirement.”

As chairman and CEO, Hayes will lead the commercial aircraft business, and will have responsibility for coordination among the company’s helicopters, space and defense businesses in North America. The region has more than 10,000 Airbus employees across 50 sites. Additionally, Airbus spends $15 billion annually with more than 2,000 U.S. suppliers in over 40 states.

“After some time off, I am excited and energised to join Airbus and build on the incredible success in the region. I have known Jeff and the Airbus team for well over a decade and I believe they have done a terrific job leading Airbus in the Americas. It is an honour for me to take up this opportunity to be part of the Airbus team,” said Hayes. “Airbus’ commitment to safety and decarbonisation is incredibly important to me personally, and I am both motivated by and committed to contributing to the Airbus purpose to pioneer sustainable aerospace.” 

During Knittel’s tenure, Airbus has grown its presence in the Americas and expanded its industrial and manufacturing footprint, doubling the region’s commercial aircraft deliveries. Knittel brought 40 years of aviation finance, leasing and manufacturing experience to Airbus, previously serving as president of CIT Aerospace and CIT Transportation Finance. 

“My time at Airbus has been a privilege and I am immensely proud of what the team has accomplished during our time together. We significantly increased revenues, grew market share and expanded our presence and operational footprint across all three Airbus businesses,” said Knittel. “The future is bright for Airbus in the region, as it is well-positioned to continue on its growth trajectory. Robin’s vast aviation experience, depth of knowledge and industry relationships make him the right choice at the right time to lead the organization into the future in line with the Company’s global ambition. I look forward to watching the team reach new heights under Robin’s leadership.” 

The Av8 Group Announces Penny Tomlinson as New Sales Manager for AOG

The Av8 Group announced it has chosen Penny Tomlinson as the new sales manager for Av8 AOG. Tomlinson will assist Av8 in all facets of the business, but her primary focus will be on continuing to support AOG customers worldwide.

Tomlinson has over 30 years of aviation experience, graduating with her A&P license from the Michigan Institute of Aeronautics. Tomlinson has previously worked for other aviation companies such as Kalitta Air, USA Jet, Mesaba Airlines, Gulfstream, Falcon Jet, Flexjet, Aviall/Boeing and Castle Aviation.She has experience with commercial aircraft as well as several corporate aircraft, including Falcon 20s, 50s and 900s; Gulfstream G150s, G-IVs and G450s all series of Learjets. She is well known in the aviation industry and has many long-term connections that make her a valuable addition to the growing Av8 team, the company said.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to continue my aviation career with Av8, while also gaining additional knowledge from the MRO aspect,” said Tomlinson, Av8 AOG sales manager. 

“As our AOG and part segment continues to grow, Penny’s addition to the team will be a beneficial asset to our valued customers, getting the parts they need as quickly as possible and back in the air,” said Yoel Arnoni, CEO.

Avotek Celebrates David L. Jones on Receiving Prestigious FAA Awards

Avotek, a provider of aviation maintenance training systems and publications, announced that David L. Jones, has been recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with two of its most distinguished honors: the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award and the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. The awards were presented among his peers at the Aviation Technician Education Council conference in Tucson in March.

Jones is a 1972 graduate of Western Michigan University in aviation engineering technology. He is an accomplished mechanic with Airframe and Powerplant Ratings, was a Designated Mechanic Examiner, and has many pilot ratings. He has developed a close relationship with the FAA and has served on numerous workgroups: Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ARAC), Airman Certification System (ACS), and worked on changes to Part 147 and revisions to the Oral & Practical testing process for maintenance technicians. He has also developed maintenance training for light sport aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Jones was also instrumental in starting many AMT schools and dove in to all aspects of education/training including classroom and lab instruction, curriculum development, and classroom material development. He is an accomplished author and has contributed heavily to many textbooks and online courses published by Avotek and others.

“We are incredibly proud of David for receiving these lifetime achievement awards from the FAA,” said Karl Stoltzfus, CEO of Avotek. “His dedication to aviation safety, his meticulous work ethic, and his passion for flight are truly inspiring. David exemplifies the very best of Avotek, and his contributions have been instrumental in our success.”

A Legacy of Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance
The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award is named after Charles Taylor, the mechanic who built the engine for the Wright Brothers’ Flyer. This award acknowledges aviation maintenance technicians who have demonstrated exceptional skill and professionalism for at least 50 years.

A Passion for Flight Takes Wing
The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award honors pilots who have maintained a safe flying record for at least 50 years while demonstrating excellence in airmanship. His love for flying is evident in his countless hours spent soaring through the skies. He could fly before he could legally drive; his first solo flight was in an Aeronca 7AC Champ when he was 16 years old.

An Inspiration to All
These prestigious awards represent a combined 100 years of dedication and excellence in aviation maintenance and piloting, a remarkable achievement for any individual in the industry. Jones’s receipt of these awards is a testament to his lifelong commitment to aviation. “He is a true asset to Avotek and an inspiration to all who have the privilege of working alongside him. His dedication, expertise, and passion for aviation maintenance training are a shining example of the excellence that Avotek strives for every day,” the company said.

Supernal Appoints David McBride Chief Technology Officer 

 
Supernal – Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company – recently announced the appointment of David McBride as chief technology officer (CTO). McBride will lead Supernal’s technology strategy and vehicle development, reporting to CEO, Jaiwon Shin. 

“Following the debut of our product concept earlier this year, Supernal has entered a new phase of our Advanced Air Mobility business – where we turn our innovative vehicle concepts into commercially sound and safe all-electric aircraft,” said Jaiwon Shin, president of Hyundai Motor Group and CEO of Supernal. “David has spent his career making the ‘impossible’ ‘possible’ in aviation, leading numerous successful missions at NASA, and we are eager for him to help lead Supernal in bringing our scalable eVTOL vehicle to market in 2028.”

McBride brings more than 40 years of experience in developing groundbreaking aerospace technology, complex program management and organizational leadership to Supernal’s Engineering and Technology Division (ETD). In his new role, he will oversee the company’s 400 ETD employees working on vehicle engineering, testing, evaluation, certification and R&D.

At NASA, McBride served as the director of the Armstrong Flight Research Center. During his tenure, he led the Center in achieving full operational capability of the Boeing 747SP aircraft, which carried a telescope into the stratosphere, allowing astronomers to observe the infrared universe above 99 percent of Earth’s infrared-blocking atmosphere. He also led the development of NASA’s all-electric aircraft and safely conducted global operations for NASA’s Earth Science missions. As program manager for NASA’s Flight Research Program, McBride was integral to expanding aerospace knowledge and capabilities, including the record-breaking flight of the solar-powered Helios aircraft to an altitude of more than 96,000 feet.

“I am honored to join Supernal to help certify and commercialize an aircraft that our team has been working toward for the past several years,” said McBride. “It is an exciting time as we transition from the engineering design phase to the build and execution phases. We have an impressive ‘production-minded’ team and we look forward to taking our first flight later this year.” 

McBride received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and an executive master’s degree in business administration from the University of New Mexico. He began his career at NASA as a cooperative education student, specializing in digital flight control systems analysis. 

Interiors Pioneer Franz List Dies at 76 

High-end interiors company F/LIST announced the death of its supervisory board chairman and interiors visionary, Franz List. Franz List passed away on March 23 at the age of 76 after a serious illness. He leaves a big gap not only in his family and the international organization but also in the world of high-end interiors.

List’s vision transformed F/LIST from a small joinery founded by his father in 1950 into a pioneering global business designing, creating and producing luxury interiors for exclusive business and private jets as well as residences. His legacy spans decades, during which he not only developed novel luxury interior products but also achieved numerous milestones in the industry. “His relentless ambition, innovation and passion have made F/LIST what it is today,” a company statement said.

In October 2017, List handed over the management of the company to his daughter Katharina List-Nagl (CEO) and has since served as chairman of the supervisory board of F/LIST. Katharina List-Nagl will continue running the company with the support of the existing leadership team. Together, they remain committed to continuing the growth of the business portfolio, defining game-changing products, and deploying imaginative new solutions for interior design, all of which will build on the exceptional foundations laid by Franz List. A new supervisory board chairperson will be announced in due course. 

“Franz List will be greatly missed not only by his family and friends but also by his dedicated employees and business partners. His leadership, love of craftsmanship and innovative spirit will continue to be the cornerstones of the F/List corporate culture,” the company’s statement said.

Mahr Announces the Appointment of John Roberts as General Manager, Sales

 Mahr Inc., a global manufacturer of precision measurement equipment used for dimensional metrology, announced that John Roberts has joined the company as general manager, sales, covering the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. In addition to field sales, he will oversee Mahr’s Engineered Solutions business as well as marketing, product management, applications engineering, service, customer resource center, and distribution teams. 

Roberts brings more than 30 years of experience in the industrial automation sector. He joins Mahr from B&R Industrial Automation, a member of the ABB Group, where he served in a series of progressively senior sales management positions, including managing director of growth markets, senior vice president of sales, and finally, as global product group manager for HMI. 

Throughout his career, Roberts has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in product management, sales, and business development. His deep understanding of industrial control technology has been instrumental in enhancing product quality and performance, along with his commitment to driving growth and innovation in global markets. “John’s leadership skills and strategic vision have consistently resulted in enhanced performance, revenue growth, and market expansion. He is an advocate for digital transformation and is passionate about delivering customer-centric solutions that optimize industrial processes,” a company press release said.

Aviation Institute of Maintenance School Group Names Dr. Joel A. English as President 

Virginia Beach-based Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM), Centura College and Tidewater Tech announced the appointment of Dr. Joel A. English as president, only the second to serve in this capacity over the institution’s 55-year history. English has served as the institutions’ executive vice president since 2020, and he has functioned as vice president of operations, regional director, and campus executive director since 2003. Before his tenure at the institutions, Dr. English was an assistant professor of professional writing at Old Dominion University. He holds a Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition from Ball State University and an M.A. and B.A. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 
 
Gerald Yagen, the schools’ founder and former president, will continue to serve as chairman of the board. Yagen started the company in 1969 as an employment agency and added workforce development training programs throughout the 1970s and 1980s to promote careers in Virginia and throughout the country. Under his presidency, he grew the schools to 1,000 employees and 5,700 students nationwide. Commenting on English’s promotion to president, Yagen emphasized, “Now is the ideal time to implement a plan for the next generation of leadership. Dr. English has been a dynamic leader within the communities we serve nationwide for the past 20 years. He has built our name and reputation as an important source of certified aircraft mechanics for airlines and aircraft manufacturers worldwide, and he has led our schools in Virginia to produce Welders, Wind Turbine Technicians, Electricians, Medical Assistants, HVAC Technicians, and other professionals for local industry.”   
 
Over the past eight years, Dr. English has built AIM from 11 to 15 campuses, which is more locations than any other FAA-certified institution, according to the Aviation Main, mayor of Norfolk, Virginia who also serves as the institutions’ Chancellor, stated, “Dr. English is a champion for the communities he serves and for the students who enter the doors of our institutions. His passion for education and spirit of giving are what compelled me to join the schools in 2021, and I look forward to continuing to serve side by side with him.” Dr. English’s immediate plans for the organization include the ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening of AIM’s newest campus in Phoenix, Arizona on February 7th and enhancing the institutions’ occupational programs in renewable energies.  
 

West Star Aviation Announces Sharp as New Citation Program Manager (ALN)

West Star is pleased to announce Raymond Sharp as the new program manager for Citation at their East Alton, IL (ALN) facility.  Raymond’s responsibilities will include upholding regulatory, safety and quality standards.

Raymond has over 25 years of aviation experience, previously with Standard Aero. Twenty-three of those years were in customer service, making him well equipped to ensure top-tier customer experience. He previously held positions as a senior tech, crew lead and director of operations. 

“Raymond’s aviation expertise included 12 years of coordinating off-site services in a managerial aspect, making him a key contributor to this team thus playing a pivotal role in overseeing our projects for our valued customers” said Brian Bauwens, general manager (ALN).

Cutter Aviation Promotes Anna Cutter to Flight Department Director

Cutter Aviation announced the promotion of Anna Cutter to its flight department director. In this position she will oversee operations, establish key operational metrics and develop and implement initiatives for market and fleet expansion.

Cutter has been an integral part of Cutter Aviation since joining as the Texas charter and sales coordinator. “Her leadership and strong work ethic have been essential to the growth of the charter department. Life-long exposure to the aviation industry along with her previous experience, makes Anna an excellent fit for this new role,” the company says.

Missing Aircraft Mechanic Found Dead

An aircraft mechanic, Suren Seetal of Florida, that had been missing since early November was later found dead – the result of a homicide. Authorities believe he was killed for trying to collect $315,000 he was owed. Seetal was last seen alive on Nov. 2 when he was leaving work. His family reported him missing when he didn’t come home, return to work for his next shift or answer phone calls. His body was found two weeks later on Big Cypress Reservation.

Three men were charged with kidnapping and murdering the 36-year-old, the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Florida said in a statement in mid-December.

29-year-old Somjeet Christopher “Lil Chris” Singh, 24-year-old Avin “Smalls” Seetaram, and 18-year-old Gavin Hunter have all been charged with murder for hire conspiracy, murder for hire, kidnapping conspiracy, kidnapping and obstruction of justice.

A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida charged Avin Seetaram, a/k/a “Smalls,” 24, Somjeet Christopher Singh, a/k/a “Lil Chris,” 29, and Gavin Hunter, 18, all of Broward County, with “murder for hire conspiracy, murder for hire, kidnapping conspiracy, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice, for their involvement in a violent kidnapping and murder of Miami-Dade resident Suren Seetal.”

According to allegations contained in the previously filed criminal complaint and the indictment, Seetal was last seen alive on November 2, 2023, when he was leaving work. After leaving work, Seetal’s telephone was in the vicinity of Dr. HVAC, Singh’s air conditioning business, before going off network shortly thereafter. Seetal’s body was recovered at Big Cypress Reservation on November 21, 2023.    

Anyone with information regarding this matter is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.