Category: About People

Ontic Appoints New General Manager at Creedmoor Site

Ontic, a leading licensor and manufacturer of complex engineered parts for the global aerospace and defense industries, has appointed Joshua Florio as general manager for their Creedmoor site in North Carolina.

Florio will be responsible for the day-to-day running of Ontic’s Creedmoor site which specializes in new spares and the development of new original equipment for predominantly military and commercial customers. Ontic’s Creedmoor site is also home to its Firstmark, Twin Commander and Aircraft Belts Inc. brands which support various electro-mechanical, seatbelt and spares for the military, civil and commercial aerospace markets.

Joining Ontic from AAR’s Landing Gear Services business, Florio’s experience in both original and non-core aerospace, and technical engineering as well as management and strategic positions, gives him the perfect foundation to lead the Creedmoor site through its growth journey.

“Ontic’s business model of focusing on product lines that allow OEMs to focus on developing new technologies plays a critical part in the aircraft lifecycle and the evolution of the aerospace industry. I’m excited to get stuck into a business that requires creativity and agility; a challenge I find highly intriguing.”

Ontic COO Brian Sartain said, “Our customers expect the highest level of quality and delivery, and Joshua’s track record speaks for itself when it comes to optimizing high mix, low volume environments so we’re very excited to have him leading Creedmoor.”

Ontic’s Creedmoor site has recently undergone major renovations, paving the way for growth at the Creedmoor site as Ontic looks to expand operations there.

He will take up his post on September 11, 2023.

Nominee for Administrator of the FAA Announced

President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Michael G. Whitaker to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Michael G. Whitaker is currently the chief operating officer of Supernal, a Hyundai Motor Group company designing an electric advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicle. In this role, Whitaker overseas all commercial and key business operations. Whitaker served as Deputy Administrator at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from 2013–2016. There, he brought industry and government together to drive the successful transition of the nation’s air traffic control system from radar to a satellite-enabled surveillance technology (ABS-B). Prior to Supernal and his tenure at the FAA, Whitaker served as Group CEO of InterGlobe Enterprises, India’s largest travel conglomerate and operator of its largest and most successful airline, IndiGo. There, he oversaw strategy and operations for four affiliate travel companies. Whitaker also spent 15 years at United Airlines in a variety of roles as director, vice president and senior vice president. His broad portfolio at the airline included commercial alliances and joint ventures, international and regulatory affairs, and strategic counsel to the chairman and CEO on international matters. Whitaker began his more than three-decade aviation career as a litigator, then as assistant general counsel of international and regulatory affairs at Trans World Airlines (TWA). He is a private pilot and holds a juris doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He serves on the board of the Flight Safety Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes aviation safety globally.

JSSI Appoints Manuel Ruanova to Director of Business Development for U.S. West Coast

Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) announced the appointment of Manuel Ruanova as the director of business development for the U.S. West Coast territory. After serving as the primary customer liaison for Mexico and Central America for 13 years, Ruanova will use his extensive industry experience and expertise to focus on strengthening client relationships in areas where JSSI has seen tremendous growth – Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming.

Ruanova initially joined JSSI as a technical advisor in 2010, and quickly advanced to the business development team in 2013. Through his deep technical expertise, customer service focus and sales skills, Ruanova has played a pivotal role in furthering JSSI’s position in the market.

“As the West Coast continues to prove itself a key strategic market, we chose to appoint a leader who is constantly raising the bar and exceeding expectations,” stated David Caporali, senior vice president of business development, Americas. “Manny’s deep technical understanding of aircraft maintenance and how it affects residual value made him the obvious choice to spearhead this expansion.”

“For more than a decade, I have had the privilege of closely observing JSSI’s continued commitment to serving the aviation industry with the utmost quality and care,” added Ruanova. “Looking ahead, the U.S. West Coast region offers tremendous opportunities for growth and development, and I am eager to help strengthen JSSI’s presence in this valuable market.”

Ruanova’s aviation roots trace back to his childhood, when he forged a deep connection through time spent alongside his father, a distinguished corporate pilot. Embarking on his journey, he obtained his A&P license in 1999, followed by his pilot’s license in 2002. With an impressive career spanning more than two decades in the industry, his continued commitment inspired him to acquire the senior appraiser designation by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) in 2018. This serves as a testament to his profound dedication, and comprehension of the impact that hourly cost maintenance programs have on aircraft values.

Duncan Aviation Aircraft Sales/Acquisitions Rep Relocates to UK 

Duncan Aviation announced that Leah Alexander, aircraft sales and acquisitions, has relocated from Chicago, Ill., to the Southern Coast of England to expand Duncan Aviation’s client base in Europe and the Middle East. She will join Tim Barber in representing Duncan Aviation’s aircraft sales and acquisitions team in the United Kingdom. 

“Being in the United Kingdom allows for easily covering a wide span of time zones,” said Alexander. “I can attest that from Chicago, days that begin early with a conference call to India and end late with calls to Hong Kong can grow very long, very quickly.” 

Ryan Huss, Duncan Aviation’s vice president of sales and marketing said Alexander’s relocation will enhance the team’s ability to cover the opportunities in the EMEA region. 

“Leah has been working with Tim Barber over the past several years and the timing for her to return back to England could not have been better,” said Huss. “They have formed a strong duo and naturally complement each other’s strengths.” 

Huss explained that Alexander brings great energy and drive to the team. 

“She does a great job of understanding the market from both the buyer and seller’s sides,” said Huss. “Leah is detail-oriented and articulate in both her understanding of the available aircraft as well as in the brokerage agreements she takes part in. We are looking forward to seeing Leah get settled and grow into one of the leading brokers in the region.” 

When Alexander joined Duncan five years ago, she expressed that her long-term goal would be to take advantage of the location flexibility. As it happens, her parents are both from Europe and she has both UK and EU citizenships and has conversational comfort in multiple languages.  

Barber explained that over the last few years, the number of aircraft acquisitions, sales, and inventory opportunities that the Duncan Aviation team has been involved with has grown tremendously, especially in Europe and the Middle East. 

“We noted that it would be a strategic advantage for us to have an additional aircraft broker on the other side of the Atlantic in order for us to best facilitate these opportunities,” said Barber. “The growth in our aircraft sales activity overseas coincides with our planned growth in other areas of the company.” 

Alexander is also heading up the education committee for IADA to assist with developing resources and content for the association to ensure certified brokers have a global perspective and understanding. She went on to explain that there aren’t many companies with an IADA (International Aircraft Dealers Association) certified broker based outside of North America. 

“I’m looking forward to forming relationships and facilitating the expanding activity of our client base in Europe and the Middle East,” said Alexander. “I am excited for this opportunity.” 

JPB Système Strengthens for Growth with New Hires

JPB Système, manufacturer of technology solutions for aerospace, aeronautic and other industries, announced three new management appointments to its team. Christophe Impinna comes aboard as purchasing manager, Frédéric Duwicquet as key account manager, and Matthieu Loger as industrialization manager. The company says these appointments signify a significant commitment to growth across all areas of the business, despite the continued recruitment difficulties throughout the aerospace sector.

Bringing 20 years’ experience in the field of purchasing, Impinna most recently held the position of group purchasing manager at Aluminium France Extrusion for four years, prior to joining JPB Système. He will play a vital role in developing the purchasing function and further solidifying partnerships with suppliers to ensure timely product to customers.

Duwicquet joins JPB Système as a key account manager, having accrued a wealth of experience in sales and key account management roles. With his expertise in building and nurturing customer relationships, Frédéric will be responsible for overseeing contracts, identifying new business opportunities to drive growth, and promoting JPB Système’s products and innovations to enhance its market position.

Leveraging his background in the industrial sector, Matthieu Loger joins the company as industrialization manager. With his in-depth knowledge of product industrialization and process optimization, Matthieu will lead the industrialization department, acting as a crucial link between the R&D and production teams. His key objectives include automating inspection processes, optimizing manufacturing processes, and successfully industrializing new products to improve productivity and quality.

Grégory Chauvet, general manager at JPB Système, expressed his confidence in the newly appointed individuals as well as the opportunities the future holds, stating: “The pandemic-induced travel bans led to a surge of uncertainty for businesses worldwide. As a result, aviation companies were forced to downsize their workforce, including airlines and their extensive supply chains. As a sign of our commitment to resisting this trend, we are delighted to welcome Christophe, Frédéric, and Matthieu to our team. Their collective expertise will play a pivotal role in driving our company’s growth and success and shows that careers in aerospace engineering are still very much in demand.

“Our industry epitomizes the cutting-edge of manufacturing possibilities, providing an exhilarating environment for professionals,” he adds. “Indeed, this is an exciting time for JPB Système with the ongoing construction of our new production facility, as well as recent grants from the ‘France 2030’ initiative, each of which is driving investment in our KeyProd production monitoring solution and MBJ 3D printing activities.”

Carlyle Promoted to ACI Jet MRO Repair Station Manager; Plus Two New Project Managers Announced

California-based business jet maintenance company, ACI Jet MRO, announced Jonathan Carlyle’s advancement to repair station manager. The move accompanies two appointments to project manager–Michael Johnson, with nearly two decades at a Textron Aviation Service Center, and Joe Borchers, formerly an ACI Jet MRO Repair Station team lead and technician. The company is actively recruiting for additional team leads, avionics technicians, interior and completions specialists, QC inspectors, and A&P technicians within its FAA Part 145 Repair Station.

Jonathan Carlyle was promotion to repair station manage and in this role he will lead the overall operations of the facility and its maintenance staff members, including day-to-day operations, maintenance scheduling, staffing, and strategic planning for scheduled maintenance.

When asked about Carlyle’s promotion, ACI Jet’s senior vice president of aircraft maintenance, David Jensen, remarked, “Jonathan has a very strong technical background having worked on the shop floor and the MRT team at both Textron and Bombardier facilities. He held just about every role from a new A&P to Team Lead, Project Manager, and Part 145 DOM. It’s rare to find such strong technical talent with equally strong communication, customer focus, and leadership skills. Jonathan understands the complexities involved in running a high-quality repair station with the highest level of service and a positive culture.” Jensen added that promoting from within whenever possible is a priority for his maintenance organization. “Our upper-level managers have all been promoted from within the organization. Each can relate to their employees as they once walked in their shoes.”

In their new roles as project managers, Johnson and Borchers are the single points of contact for customers of the repair station during their maintenance visits. They will monitor their projects according to schedule, cost efficiency and the highest level of maintenance excellence. All team leads report directly to project managers, giving them up to date knowledge of each aircraft currently under maintenance.

ecube Appoints Steve Pike as VP Sales

ecube announced the appointment of Steve Pike as VP sales. Pike joins ecube with 40 years’ experience in the aviation industry and has served with some of the world’s leading MRO and aerospace companies. He has an aerospace engineering background and has worked with both wide- and narrow-bodied aircraft as well as regional and military aircraft platforms.

Having spent the last three years with Vallair Industry in France, Pike has also worked with Skyway Technics in Denmark, as well as the former Flybe Aviation services, Marshall Aerospace, FLS Aerospace and British Aerospace. His experience covers all aspects of aircraft maintenance, modification & conversion as well as aircraft end of life disassembly.

“I am delighted to be joining ecube at this significant time of expansion and look forward to contributing to the business’ continued growth covering St Athan, Wales, Castellon, Spain and Coolidge, Arizona,” said Pike, shortly after joining ecube.

Pike will join the commercial team at ecube led by chief commercial officer Steven Taylor, who is pleased to have him join the team, and added: “Steve’s wealth of experience will help the team deliver customer project requirements in an exciting time that will see us support more aircraft than ever before across all three of our locations. Helping to deliver our key message of one aircraft three locations to a growing customer base, we are excited to see where we can take the ecube marketplace.”

Avotek Welcomes Dennis DeMille

Avotek announced it has hired Dennis DeMille as production manager. DeMille spent 21 years active duty in the U.S. Marines and retired in 2004. Since then, he has gained 18 years of experience at manufacturing companies. He has a history of decreasing lead times, improving quality and service, and increasing customer satisfaction. He looks forward to bolstering our manufacturing operation and helping customers build success with Avotek products. DeMille is also a licensed pilot and has a keen interest in aviation. He and Lori, his wife of 35 years, have three daughters and eight grandchildren.

Avotek, of Weyers Cave, VA, develops and manufactures modern, fully functional aviation maintenance training systems; publishes a full line of high-quality, up-to-date textbooks that complement its training systems; and offers online training. Avotek is a Recognized NCATT Resource Provider
Avotek has earned an industry reputation for quality and excellence. Our team of authors includes mechanics, inspectors, aviation experts, and instructors. They are actively involved in aviation maintenance training or working in the aviation maintenance field. They bring their expertise to Avotek from colleges, universities, and current hands-on experience.

HEICO Corporation CEO Laurans A. Mendelson to Receive Prestigious Award

HEICO Corporation reported that Laurans A. Mendelson, its chairman and chief executive officer, will receive the prestigious 44th annual Howard Hughes Memorial Award from the Aero Club of Southern California during the club’s annual ceremonial event on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at The California Club in Los Angeles.

The Howard Hughes Memorial Award honors exceptional leaders who have advanced the fields of aviation or aerospace technology. Mendelson joins forty-three aviation and aerospace pioneers, including last year’s honoree Harrison Ford as well as General Chuck Yeager, Bob Hoover, Neil Armstrong, General Jimmy Doolittle, Elon Musk, Jim Lovell, Marillyn Hewson, Captain ‘Sully’ Sullenberger and many others.

Mendelson took over HEICO’s leadership in 1990 and, together with his sons, HEICO Co-Presidents Eric Mendelson and Victor Mendelson, worked with HEICO’s remarkable Team Members to build the Company from a small South Florida provider of a few aircraft components into a rapidly-growing and highly diversified aerospace, defense and electronics company with 9,000 Team Members producing HEICO’s mission-critical products and services in 23 US states and 14 countries.

Howard Hughes’ first cousin, William R. Lummis, established the award in 1978, and the Aero Club of Southern California presents the award annually.

The Aero Club of Southern California (ACSC) is a 501(c)(3) charitable aviation industry non-profit led by volunteer officers and Board members founded to increase the public’s awareness of aviation, ACSC membership is open to everyone with an interest in aviation and space – from research and technology to piloting, education, manufacturing, commercial and military aviation, and much more.

In selecting Mendelson for the award, the Aero Club of Southern California commented, “HEICO designs, manufactures, and distributes parts for almost every major commercial, business jet, defense and space program. HEICO Corporation provides less expensive aftermarket aviation parts to replace original equipment manufacturer hardware, thereby contributing to the airlines’ competitiveness. Mr. Mendelson and HEICO Corporation have received ongoing industry recognition as aviation and defense industry leaders. Howard Hughes Memorial Award honoree Larry Mendelson ‘Keeps ‘Em Flying’.”

Laurans A. Mendelson remarked, “I am profoundly honored to receive such a prestigious award from such a prestigious organization. The Aero Club of Southern California is recognized as one of the leading aviation and aerospace organizations in the world and the idea that they would bestow this award upon me leaves me deeply humbled and grateful. I thank the Aero Club of Southern California, its officers, the selection committee and the club’s members for this special commendation.”

Farsound Restructures Leadership Team for Next Phase of Growth 

Farsound announced that is has restructured its senior team to support the next phase of global expansion.

Farsound reports its business is growing rapidly and has recently moved into a new purpose built state-of-the art UK head quarters. The company also recently opened new facilities in the U.S. and Spain. To support the continued rapid growth of the business, a number of changes have been made to the senior team; Kevin Sargent will move from executive chairman to non-executive chairman, and Chris Knott has been appointed as chief executive officer for Farsound’s global business. Knott was previously the group finance director at Farsound for 10 years.

Farsound continues to see strong global demand for its supply chain solutions as it continues to support the supply of fast-moving parts directly to the production lines of many of the world’s leading aero engine MROs. Over the past few years Lee Kelsey, Farsound’s group sales director, has expanded the international customer base and partnered with many of the world’s flagship airlines. Kelsey has been appointed to a new role of chief operating officer, overseeing sales, quality and global operations, ensuring total customer satisfaction and continuing the development of innovative products and services.

Jonathan Medhurst is appointed as chief procurement officer, responsible for Farsound’s global inbound supply solutions and the continued development of supplier relationships. Given the current challenges in the global supply chain, this role has becoming increasingly important as Farsound continues to develop long lasting mutually beneficial relationships with all of its suppliers. 

A new chief financial officer will also be joining the team later in the summer, and an announcement will be made on this role in due course.

“We have been on a rapid growth journey over the last few years, and I am confident that this new Senior Team is very well placed to continue the hugely successful story at Farsound as we remain at the heart of our customers’ supply chains,” said Kevin Sargent, chairman.