Michael Amalfitano

Embraer

Michael Amalfitano is the President and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets, leading the company’s global business with annual revenues in excess of $1.5 billion and an active fleet of more than 1,650 aircraft with over 1,000 customers worldwide. A long-standing industry veteran, Amalfitano has 40+ years of executive leadership experience in business aviation and financial services. He is a voting member of the Embraer SA Executive Leadership Management Board.

Prior to joining Embraer, Amalfitano led as Executive Vice President, Senior Managing Director of Business Aviation at Stonebriar Commercial Finance. Amalfitano also led as Managing Director, Executive Head of Global Corporate Aircraft Finance at Bank of America Merrill Lynch for over 22 years, following a decade-long tenure in sales management at GE Capital.

Amalfitano serves as a public member of the Board of Directors of Eve Holding, Inc. (EVE), a NYSE listed company (EVEX). He is also the Immediate Past Chairman of the General Aviation Manufacturer’s Association (GAMA) and currently serves on their Executive, Finance, Investment, and Strategic Committees, following his previous role as Chairman of the Communications Committee. Additionally, Amalfitano serves as Chairman of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Advisory Council and is a member of the NBAA Board of Directors, Audit & Investment Committee, and Leadership Council. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and serves on their Finance and Investment Committees.

Past board positions include former four-term OEM President representative for the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), Chairman of the Associate Members Advisory Council for the National Aircraft Resellers Association (NARA), and two-term President of the National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA).

Ramsey Ammar

Bizjet Law

Founding Partner

Ramsey Ammar is a founding partner of Bizjet Law. He represents both domestic and international clients on all aspects of aviation law and specializes in mergers and acquisitions in the aviation industry, purchases and sales of aircraft, aviation tax planning, and aircraft ownership structures.

Ramsey brings sophisticated state and federal tax counseling experience and extensive aviation regulatory knowledge to each and every transaction. His clients include HNWIs, owners of private and commercial aircraft, buyers, sellers, serial and portfolio entrepreneurs, lenders and other financiers. Ramsey’s goal is to distill complex tax and regulatory concepts into actionable recommendations for his clients.

Ramsey’s practice includes advising on mergers and acquisitions for traditional aviation companies, including Part 135, Part 145, and Part 137 operators, as well as fixed base operators (FBOs). Ramsey and his team help architect transaction structures (e.g., stock, asset or merger transactions), mitigate regulatory risk, coordinate key stakeholders including legal teams, brokers, and regulators, and execute the transactions.

Ramsey also has broad experience in structuring aircraft ownership and operating structures under Part 91 and Part 135 as well as complex hybrid operations. Often his services concentrate on designing and structuring business aviation related agreements, businesses, and ownership entities to meet clients’ objectives which most often include (1) FAA, DOT, and FAR compliance, and (2) the minimization of both liability and taxes related to aircraft ownership and operations.

Ramsey was selected as a 2023 NBAA Top 40 Under 40 Award Recipient, and has also been selected by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star.”

Prior to founding Bizjet Law, Ramsey worked as an attorney in the aviation practice at Polsinelli P.C., a premier Colorado AmLaw 100 law firm. Ramsey received his J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, as well as an LL.M., a Master of Laws in International Business Transactions.

Chad Anderson

Jetcraft

President

Chad Anderson joined Jetcraft in 2005 and was named President in 2010. In his current role, Chad is responsible for leading the companys overall global operations and strategy, with specialties in transaction structuring, aviation finance and tax. Prior to Jetcraft, Chad was the national asset manager and business development officer in the corporate aircraft finance division of Bank of America Leasing (formerly Fleet Capital Corporation). He directed all aircraft asset marketing, operation, support, and management functions with special focus on finance, industry intelligence and market research. He also held positions at Regent Aviation and Cessna Finance Corporation, and was an aviation underwriter for American Eagle Insurance Company.

Chad holds a B.A.A. in Aviation Administration from the University of North Dakota. He is a commercial pilot (single and multi engine) and certified flight instructor and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Luis Barrajón

Airbus Corporate Jets

Sales & Marketing Director North America

Luis Manuel (Luisma) Barrajón is a highly accomplished sales & marketing executive with extensive experience in the aerospace industry. Currently spearheading the commercial initiatives in the North East & Central US regions and Canada at Airbus Corporate Jets, he has been instrumental in the introduction of the ACJ TwoTwenty and its competitive positioning against established large-cabin business jets. Luisma works directly with private individuals, end customers, corporate flight departments and operators to demonstrate how ACJ aircraft can meet their flight operations requirements.

Previously, he served as the Marketing Director Manager for Airbus Corporate Jets both in Washington DC and in Toulouse, focusing on the North American market and Governmental acquisitions.

His journey with Airbus began in 2012, joining the Marketing division of Airbus Defence and Space in Madrid. During this time, he made notable contributions as a Marketing Analyst for the A330 MRTT and as a Competitive Intelligence Manager, focusing on tanker and surveillance markets.

Luisma holds a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid with a specialization in Finance Management. He is a firm believer in continuous learning and went on to earn an additional master’s degree in professional development from Universidad de Alcalá.

Luisma is a native Spanish speaker with fluency in English and French. His varied interests encompass traveling, history, fitness, basketball, music and reading. Currently based in Washington, D.C., Luisma’s commercial acumen, technical expertise and strategic market insight have positioned him as a key player in Airbus Corporate Jet’s expansion efforts in the Americas.

Ed Bolen

NBAA

President & CEO

Ed Bolen became the president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) in Washington, DC, on Sept. 7, 2004.

Prior to joining NBAA, Bolen was president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) for eight years. Bolen joined GAMA in 1995 as senior vice president and general counsel. GAMA’s board of directors elected him president and CEO in November 1996.

In 2001, Bolen was appointed by President Bush to serve as a member of the Commission on the Future of the U.S. Aerospace Industry. Established by Congress, the commission’s objectives were to study and make recommendations on ways to ensure American leadership in aerospace in the 21st century.

Bolen was nominated by President Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as a member of the Management Advisory Council (MAC) to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He chaired the council from 2000 to 2004.

Bolen is a member of the board of directors of the National Aeronautic Association. He also serves on the Aviation Advisory Board of the Mitre Corporation, a federally funded research and development corporation.

Prior to his association career, Bolen was majority general counsel to what is now the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. He also served as legislative director for U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum (R-KS) and was a key player in the passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994.

Bolen received his Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Kansas. He is a graduate of the Tulane University School of Law and holds a Master of Laws degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Bolen, a recreational pilot, is also a competitive tennis player and former captain of the University of Kansas varsity tennis team.

Neil Book

JSSI

Chairman & CEO

As Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Neil provides leadership and direction to the entire organization.

Prior to joining JSSI in 2012, Neil served as Vice President of Mobility for Juniper Networks, directing its mobile security business unit.  His role a Juniper began in 2010, in connection with their acquisition of SMobile Systems, where he had served as President and Chief Executive Officer. Neil began his career at AT&T where we held various management positions.

Mark Butler

Action Aviation

CEO

Mark was born and lives in the UK. His career in aviation started back in 2008 in Cranfield and led to over 100 aircraft transactions that he closed, not including helicopters sales when he had been working as Sales Manager for Bell Helicopters.
Mark holds Private Pilot License as of 2001 and apart from his life-long devotion to aviation, he is a passionate driver and Formula 1 follower.

Dustin Cordier

StepZero Coaching

Founder 

Profile coming soon

David Crick

DavAir Group

Managing Director

David Crick is an Accredited Senior Appraiser of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). He has just completed his term as the International President on the ASA International Board of Governors and also recently served as the Chair on the Finance & Leasing Committee of the Helicopter Association International.

David is the Managing Director of the DavAir Group, a company providing international aviation inspection, appraisal and advisory services.

He has an unparalleled passion for the aviation sector performing appraisals of both fixed wing & rotary aviation assets in Australia, the Asia Pacific Rim, the USA and various countries in Europe & the Middle East.

With over 20 years of specialised valuation and consulting experience to many different sectors, David has considerable knowledge of corporate valuation requirements for financial reporting, mortgage security assessments, insurance & liquidation disposals. He performs appraisals for finance and leasing, aviation sales, mergers and acquisitions, insurance disputes, and expert witness for the legal fraternity.

David has presented at various international forums addressing current issues in aviation assets and appraisal methodologies. He also lectures on Aircraft Appraisal methodology and processes in the USA and has recently been appointed as a Member of the Technical Standing Committee of The Hague Court of Arbitration for Aviation.

Saskia de Jong

Avinode

Director of Customer Success

As Director of Customer Success at Avinode, a global tech tools provider for air charter brokers, operators, and flight departments with the world’s leading leading B2B platform for sourcing air charter, Saskia is responsible for managing the regional Customer Success team and covering a portfolio of Key Accounts in EMEAA and the Americas. She’s responsible for setting customer targets and objectives, implementing sales strategies, analysing trends and championing the development of new opportunities for both customers and Avinode. Saskia has been with Avinode since she started in 2012 as the Sales Manager for the Midwest and Southwest regions.

Ryan DeMoor

MySky

Head of Aviation Tax

Ryan serves as Head of Aviation Tax at MySky.   He oversees the Tax vertical in MySky’s suite of technology forward aviation finance products.  Ryan runs the fully outsourced MySky Managed Tax department and is also in charge of building out of MySky’s SaaS platform to include MySky Tax. 

Ryan is currently also serving as the Chairman of the NBAA Tax Committee, and he is serving on the board of the West Michigan Aviation Academy Foundation.

Prior to MySky, Ryan was Manager, Aviation Tax & Financial Reporting Solutions for Satcom Direct.  In that role, he led the company’s Managed Services practice, which assisted clients with financial and operational compliance, including IRS and SEC reporting.  He also assisted with the design of the company’s overall software solutions for flight department management.

Before that, Ryan served as Senior Financial Analyst – Aviation for Amway.  In that role, he managed financial analysis for one of the nation’s most complex Part 91 flight departments. He was responsible for the flight department budget and oversaw their interchange program amongst multiple entities. He ensured all operations were conducted within FAA/IRS/SEC regulations and assisted the corporate and international tax departments with aviation tax issues. He oversaw the company EU-ETS compliance and was responsible for improvement in the billing process. 

Prior to Amway, Ryan was a Cost Analyst at Northern Jet Management, where he oversaw multiple cost savings programs and was instrumental in reviewing and determining ways to save money monthly, including fuel savings programs, and pilot scheduling programs. While at Northern Jet, Ryan also served as a Captain on Lear 45 and Citation Bravo aircraft.  Prior to Northern Jet, Ryan flew the Canadair Regional Jet for Independence Air / Atlantic Coast Airlines. 

Keri Dowling

Air Law Office

President

Keri L. Dowling earned her Juris Doctorate and was admitted to The Ohio Bar in 1998.

She represented the City of Cleveland before the FAA, NTSB and other governmental agencies, and in negotiations with tenants, landowners and contractors during the expansion of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the largest civil aviation airport expansion in US history.

Keri Dowling represented various airports and aircraft manufacturers in civil litigation in both state and federal courts until 2005, when she, newly admitted to the Florida Bar, began to represent various aircraft owners in the purchase of aircraft, structuring of ownership and operational needs, as well as other transactional related matters.

Don Dwyer

Guardian Jet

Managing Partner

Don Dwyer, Guardian Jet’s co-managing partner, is particularly regarded for his extensive expertise on aircraft finance, asset management, fleet planning and aircraft sales.

He spent most of his career rising through ranks at the aircraft manufacturer, Hawker Beechcraft. As their Vice President of Global Sales, he led the entire sales team and oversaw the company’s international dealer network.

In 2010, Don Dwyer joined his brother, Michael, as co-managing partner of Guardian Jet. Since then, Guardian Jet has become one of the top three aircraft brokerage and consulting firms in the world.

Don is a member of the National Business Aviation Association Advisory Council. An avid sailor, Don is also a 4,500-hour commercial pilot and certified flight instructor.

Chris Ellis

Avpro Inc.

Co-founder & Managing Partner

Chris Ellis is the Co-Founder & a Managing Partner of Avpro, Inc. Chris graduated from Marietta College in 1987 with a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering. After graduation, he worked for Omni International Jet Trading Corporation selling private jet aircraft. In 1991, Chris along with two partners, Don Bass and Bob Rabbitt established Avpro, Inc. in Annapolis, Maryland. Over 30 years later, Chris continues to be directly involved in all facets of the sales and acquisitions processes. He has deep roots in all facets of the industry, possessing vast knowledge and expertise. Avpro is the one of the largest corporate aircraft brokerage and acquisition firm worldwide averaging $1 billion in retail sales annually, typically involving more than 100 transactions per year.

George Ferguson

Bloomberg Intelligence

Senior Analyst Aerospace/Défense & Airline Research; Research Team Leader

George Ferguson leads global aerospace/defense and airline research at Bloomberg Intelligence, the research group of Bloomberg L.P. George and his team cover the business jet manufacturers including General Dynamic’s Gulfstream, Embraer, Bombardier and Dassault as well as the engine makers. George joined Bloomberg to head the group in 2009 which now includes five professionals. Previously he was on the portfolio management team for global debt and equity funds at BlackRock and Merrill Lynch after years in corporate banking for Dresdner Kleinwort and Mitsubishi. He holds an MBA from the Graduate School of Management at Rutgers University and a BA in Economics from the Penn State University. He is a CFA Charterholder and a private pilot.

Jack Gilchrist

Gilchrist Aviation Law

Founding Director & Shareholder

Jack Gilchrist is the founding director and shareholder of Gilchrist Aviation Law. He serves as special counsel representing clients involved in all areas of the aviation industry. Since 1989, Mr. Gilchrist has specifically focused his career on aviation transactions involving every current structure of aircraft including engines, propellers and spare parts.
Mr. Gilchrist has counseled clients around the world in aircraft transactions, including many of the major air carriers, aircraft and engine leasing companies, fractional ownership programs, air cargo companies, corporations, banks and other lending institutions. He also works closely with aircraft brokers, dealers and manufacturers.

Eddie Gross

Vedder Price

Shareholder

Eddie Gross has almost 40 years of experience representing bank-affiliated, captive and independent financing providers and investors, as well as lessees and borrowers. in all aspects of aviation and other equipment finance transactions, including documenting, structuring, negotiating, syndicating and enforcing these transactions.

Eddie is considered an industry leader regarding the leasing and financing of all types of aviation assets, including fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and engine pools. Clients include market-leading aircraft and helicopter financing providers, investors and operating lessors, as well as large publicly or privately held businesses, governmental entities or high-net-worth individual lessees and borrowers. The business aircraft financed in these transactions include jets and turbo-prop aircraft operated primarily for the customer’s business purposes, or for transportation services including chartering, or pursuant to fractional or “pay card” arrangements. The financed helicopters are typically operated in various service capacities (e.g., air ambulances, oil and gas service, fire suppression, hauling, etc.) or for VIP, business or other transportation purposes. These aircraft and helicopter financings vary in structure and include domestic and multi-jurisdictional tax and non-tax leases, operating leases and secured loan financings, involving progress payment, completion and other multi-funding structures. The structures of these transactions typically involve multiple counter-parties, including citizenship and other trusts, management companies, maintenance program providers and affiliated and unaffiliated users of the aircraft and the manufacturer or other seller.
In 2016 through 2022, Eddie was ranked Band 1 in Private Aircraft (Global-wide) in Chambers High Net Worth. The legal ranking recognizes the world’s leading high net worth advisers where one aviation professional described Eddie as “the most knowledgeable aircraft finance lawyer in the US that I’ve worked with, both from a know-how and market perspective.” He was also recognized among the world’s leading aviation attorneys by Euromoney Legal Media Group’s Expert Guides from 2013 to 2021.

Jens Hennig

GAMA

Vice President, Operations, Safety & Security 

Jens C. Hennig is responsible for GAMA’s activities for advancing safety, security and operations. He is the association’s primary staff person on air traffic control modernization and issues affecting manufacturer flight operations.

Jens’s engagement in policy and rulemaking committees during the past two decades covers a range of topics including ADS-B rule development and implementation, standards for navigation and communications, and pilot qualification. He chaired FAA’s airman training and testing standards rulemaking committee which developed the new framework for pilot training in the U.S. and also managed the agency’s review of the Part 135/125 regulations. He is actively engaged in the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee which is an essential body to advance GA safety based on data- driven, systematic processes, and serves as co-chair of its Safety Analysis Team.

Jens is currently appointed to the aircraft manufacturer seat on the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC) and serves its general aviation subcommittee chair. He previously lead FAA’s Aircraft System Information Security / Protection working group on cybersecurity.

On the legislative front, Hennig provides technical analysis about security, funding, and ATC modernization to GAMA’s government affairs team. He has testified about NextGen and homeland security before the U.S. Congress.

He has been a member of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) Flight Standards advisory committee since its formation in 2005, focusing specifically on the agency’s extension of scope and the establishment of a safety agreement between the European Union and the United States. He served as Chair of EASA’s Operational Suitability Data rulemaking group and a member of the committee that developed standards for operating single engine airplanes in commercial service. Previously Jens served as the GA manufacturing industry’s representative on the JAA Operations Sectorial Team.

Hennig is actively involved with advancing data collection for the general aviation industry and frequently presents overviews of the state of general aviation.

Jens joined the RTCA Advisory Board in 2019 and has served on the Program Management Committee since 2013. He started a three-year term on the National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) board in 2022.

Having joined GAMA in 2003 as Manager of Operations after a stint as manager of flight operations for contract training at Embry Riddle, Jens has advanced to Vice President, Operations. Originally from Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, he holds a Bachelor of Science with honors in Aerospace Engineering from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Master of Business Administration in Aviation.

David Hernandez

Vedder Price

Shareholder

Mr. Hernandez has extensive experience assisting clients with a wide variety of business aircraft transaction and regulatory matters, including aircraft purchase/sale agreements, aircraft flight department restructuring, aircraft management arrangements, fractional program documents, use policies, cross-border transactions, personal use of aircraft, joint-ownership use agreements and
regulatory and enforcement matters. He is the Chair of Vedder Price Business Aviation and Regulation Sub-Practice Group, the Chair of the National Business Aviation Association’s Tax Committee and a frequent speaker on various business aircraft and regulatory topics. Mr. Hernandez has been recognized among the world’s leading aviation attorneys by Euromoney Legal Media Group’s Expert Guides “Aviation Guide” and Chambers as a highly rated High Net Worth Individual Aviation Advisor.

Chuck Jason

GE Aerospace

Executive, CFM RISE Programs

Commercial Engines and Services

Chuck Jackson is the Executive, CFM RISE Programs in GE Aerospace’s Commercial Strategy Organization.  In this role, Chuck is responsible for the integration of all elements of the CFM RISE technology strategy and program execution for the commercial aviation market, including the execution of new open fan and hydrogen technology demonstrators.

Chuck began his career with GE in 1996 and held key roles in Aviation’s Engineering and Commercial Engines Operation organizations including Customer Support, Product Support, Six Sigma and various engineering roles. In 2006, Chuck became Director of CFM56 Commercial Operations, and in 2009, as Executive of CF6 Strategy and Product Management, Chuck drove new business growth, profitability and product strategy for engine sales, services, and Mature Fleet initiatives.

In 2013, Chuck led the GE9X program from its inception, as Executive of Programs, during which time critical technologies were matured, program plans were aligned, and the development and certification programs were executed.  He relocated to Seattle to work directly with the Boeing 777X senior leadership and drove critical Boeing and airline engagement during the key stages of the program.

In 2018, he moved to Regional and Business Aviation Division leading the services portfolio, including managing all commercial, operational, and support aspects of the global CF34 and CT7 commercial engines. Additionally, he directs several JV & Partner activities and is a member of the FADEC Alliance JV Board of Directors.

Chuck holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and an MBA from Duke University.

Richard Koe

WINGX

Managing Director

Richard Koe is one of the founders of WINGX, which he developed over the last decade with his business partner Christoph Kohler, establishing WINGX as an industry-leading provider of market intelligence on the business and general aviation sector. WINGX serves hundreds of subscribers from across the industry with dashboards which relate data, analytics and insights on aircraft utilisation. In 2023, WINGX was purchased by JETNET LLC and is now a key component in the group’s build-out of ownership, valuation, equipment and flight data to the wider aviation market. Prior to WINGX, Richard worked in a variety of industries including telecom, oil & gas and security printing. Richard has a BA from Oxford and an MA from Johns Hopkins universities. 

Guillaume Landrivon

Bombardier

Vice President, Smart Services and Programs 

Guillaume Landrivon is Vice President, Smart Services and Programs at Bombardier with responsibility for driving the success and continued enhancement of Bombardier’s pioneering cost-per-hour service programs which have provided customers with high-quality, genuine Bombardier parts for more than three decades. He is also tasked with driving the development of new and innovative aftermarket services.
Throughout his career, Mr. Landrivon has developed a strong expertise in customer service, customer relations, technical support and business development. He joined Bombardier in 2017 as Vice President, Parts Services, where he oversaw the growth and expansion of Bombardier’s worldwide Parts Services team.
Most recently, Mr. Landrivon was instrumental in leading the customer services and support team in the negotiations of key divestitures completed by Bombardier. Prior to joining Bombardier, Mr. Landrivon spent 20 years at Dassault Aviation, where he held various leadership positions in customer relations, field services and spare parts. His last two roles at Dassault included Director of Field Service and Customer Relations and Vice President, Worldwide Falcon Spares and Supplier Management. Mr. Landrivon also led the company’s spare parts strategy and logistics efforts to support in-service fleet and expand its worldwide network of facilities.
Mr. Landrivon has an extensive knowledge of aviation and in 1991 earned an engineering degree in Aeronautics from ESTACA in Paris (École supérieure des techniques aéronautiques et de construction automobile). He also holds an FAA IFR single engine private pilot license.
Mr. Landrivon is based at Bombardier headquarters in Montreal, Canada.

Christopher Lee

1st Source Bank

President, Aircraft Division

As President of 1st Source’s Aviation Finance division, Chris oversees a billion-dollar aviation portfolio and leads a team of domestic and international Vice Presidents positioned in satellite offices in various locations. He brings to this role extensive aviation experience from his background in international and domestic aircraft sales, international and domestic aircraft finance, as well as international and domestic piloting.
Chris’s leadership exemplifies his passion for aviation through his personal aircraft ownership, multiple jet type ratings, and interactions with his clients. Chris also serves as a board member of the non-profit group LightHawk which seeks to utilize general aviation to further conservation efforts and he has been active in Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement and Habitat for Humanity. His deep aviation knowledge, positive leadership approach and proven dedication to expedited client service helps 1st Source maintain its leadership position in the global aircraft finance market.

George Mattson

Wheels Up

CEO

George Mattson served as a member of Delta Air Lines’ Board of Directors from 2012-2023, prior to his appointment as CEO of Wheels Up. He previously served as a partner and co-head of the Global Industrials Group in Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs & Co. from 2002 to 2012, during which time his responsibilities included oversight of the Transportation and Airline practices. Since 2014, he has been the lead investor and Chairman of Tropic Ocean Airways, the nation’s largest operator of seaplanes and a Wheels Up partner. Mattson brings 25 years of aviation experience to the role of CEO, as a strategic advisor, financier, business owner/operator and director.

Puja Mahajan

Azzera

Founder & CEO

Puja Mahajan is a seasoned aviation executive with 3 decades of experience, recognized for her pioneering innovation and service excellence. She launched her career after earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering from McGill University.

With a notable history at Pratt & Whitney Canada, Bombardier Aerospace, and Elit’Avia, Puja has held critical roles such as Aerodynamics Engineer, Product Planning Manager, and Director of Flight Operations, always keeping innovation and leadership at the forefront. Among her significant achievements are the launches of the Learjet 40 and Challenger 300 aircraft. As Bombardier’s Director of Flight Operations, she spearheaded the global expansion of Bombardier’s award-winning Safety Standdown initiative, recognized as a premier aviation safety event by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.

During her tenure as CEO of European operator Elit’Avia, Puja drove remarkable growth, doubling both the fleet size and revenues. Currently, as the Founder and CEO of Azzera, she channels her passion for business aviation and dedication to environmental sustainability. Azzera’s mission is to enable the Aviation sector into climate action with practical and digital solutions. Fluent in five languages and a resident of Switzerland, Puja Mahajan is a true global influencer.

Puja Mahajan is a seasoned aviation executive with 3 decades of experience, recognized for her pioneering innovation and service excellence. She launched her career after earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering from McGill University.

With a notable history at Pratt & Whitney Canada, Bombardier Aerospace, and Elit’Avia, Puja has held critical roles such as Aerodynamics Engineer, Product Planning Manager, and Director of Flight Operations, always keeping innovation and leadership at the forefront. Among her significant achievements are the launches of the Learjet 40 and Challenger 300 aircraft. As Bombardier’s Director of Flight Operations, she spearheaded the global expansion of Bombardier’s award-winning Safety Standdown initiative, recognized as a premier aviation safety event by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board.

During her tenure as CEO of European operator Elit’Avia, Puja drove remarkable growth, doubling both the fleet size and revenues. Currently, as the Founder and CEO of Azzera, she channels her passion for business aviation and dedication to environmental sustainability. Azzera’s mission is to enable the Aviation sector into climate action with practical and digital solutions. Fluent in five languages and a resident of Switzerland, Puja Mahajan is a true global influencer.

Zipporah Marmor

Opus Aero

Managing Partner, North America

Zipporah Marmor has nearly 25 years of global business aviation experience spanning leadership, sales, and marketing.
Launching Opus North America as Managing Partner is a pivotal moment for Zipporah.
“I am excited to work with Alexandre and the whole Opus team, to expand our footprint in North America. Developing our market in the USA and Canada, leveraging Opus’ outstanding reputation and experience, is a natural progression for me.”
Zipporah is Chair Emeritus of the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), the collective force influencing and shaping the aircraft transaction industry and the acknowledged leader in developing standards for efficient, effective, and ethical business aircraft transactions.
Prior to starting Opus North America, Zipporah was with ACASS where she helped drive the company’s global expansion and growth in increasingly vital capacities. Starting as the first Sales Director for Aircraft Sales and Acquisitions in 2011, Zipporah was promoted to Vice President of Sales and thereafter to Vice President of Aircraft Transactions. In these roles she led the development of the worldwide sales organization.
Ms. Marmor was previously based in Monaco as Vice President of Sales for NewJet International, which was the exclusive Bombardier representative for Monaco, Italy, and Switzerland. During her five years there, she played a key role in NewJet’s growth and success. Prior to that she was with Bombardier, where she came on board in 2000 as a marketing professional before transitioning to sales and ultimately relocating to Farnborough as a sales manager.

Bruce Marshall

AIC Title Service

Executive Vice President

Bruce L. Marshall joined AIC Title Service as its Executive Vice President and General Counsel in February 2014, helping ensure that AIC’s clients and leadership are protected as they move through unprecedented FAA and industry changes. Marquis Who’s Who recognized Bruce as a recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. In August, 2019 he was a recipient of the Drinker Biddle First Chair Top General Counsel Award for the third year in a row. The First Chair Awards is an annual selection of in-house counsel who have, thorough their hard work and innovation, made significant contributions to the legal community nationwide. He received his initial First Chair Award in August, 2017 and his second in August 2018. Bruce was also recognized in the November 2013 issue of D CEO Magazine as one of Dallas-Fort Worth’s top corporate attorneys following his win as Outstanding General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer in the Small Legal Department category at the Association of Corporate Counsel and D CEO’s 2013 Corporate Counsel Awards. Individually a 2011 winner of the Texas General Counsel Forum’s Magna Stella Award in the Small Legal Department category and finalist in the Major Litigation category, Bruce and his team also won Texas Lawyer’s 2013 Legal Department of the Year in the Diversity and Quality of Life category. With over 20 years’ experience in aviation legal matters, specializing in contracts, regulations, and litigation, he previously served as Senior Director and Division General Counsel of Bombardier’s Flexjet fractional aircraft ownership program where he strategically managed two cases challenging state and federal taxes that affected the entire fractional aircraft ownership industry and resulted in the refund of millions of dollars of paid taxes.

Bruce served as Chair of the State Bar of Texas Aviation Law Section for the years 2011-2012 and 2019. Adding to his depth of experience, he also taught Corporate Jet Investor’s Aircraft Transactions Masterclass US in November of 2019. He was elected as a Board member of the National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) in May 2021 and currently serves as chair of the association’s regulatory committee.

In private practice, Bruce served as corporate counsel and business manager for a charter management company with both Part 135 on-demand air cargo and passenger operations, served as vice president and legal officer for a major financial institution in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and in private practice, he represented banks, construction companies, transportation companies, and employee benefits funds in commercial litigation matters. Bruce graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s of Science in General Management focusing on finance and marketing and holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the Michigan State University College of Law. He serves as a frequent speaker or panelist at aviation industry events.

David Mayer

Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton

Partner

David G. Mayer is a law partner in the Global Aviation Group at Shackelford, McKinley & Norton, LLP, located in Dallas, Texas. David works with his clients throughout their private aviation experience in matters ranging from the simple to the complex.

With about four decades in his business-oriented law practice acting as a corporate and law firm lawyer, David offers deep insight, pragmatic solutions and trained, intuitive negotiation skills, all built on his core values of integrity, hard work, and commitment to his clients.

He regularly structures, negotiates, drafts, and closes deals, manages disputes, navigates complex tax and federal aviation regulations, and develops approaches to mitigate personal liability risk.

Andrew McElhinney

AE Industrial Partners

Vice President

Mr. McElhinney is a Vice President at AE Industrial and is primarily focused on originating, executing and monitoring AE Industrial’s portfolio investments. Mr. McElhinney currently serves on the Board of Directors of AE Industrial portfolio company Yingling Aviation. Prior to joining AE Industrial in 2017, Mr. McElhinney worked at Credit Suisse in the Real Estate Group, where he focused on M&A and corporate finance for clients across the Real Estate, Lodging and Gaming sectors.

Jay Mesinger

Mesinger Jet Sales

CEO & President

Jet Sales, an international aircraft brokerage firm, with 50 years of experience in the aviation industry. Mesinger Jet Sales has modernized the formula for buying and selling aircraft and provides its clients with the best market intelligence for aircraft sales pricing and correct acquisition expectations.
Jay is a published Aviation Journalist and Industry Leader. He is a member of the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA); a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Leadership Council; a member of Gulfstream’s “Key Player” team; and a member of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). In addition, he is a member of the Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA).
Additionally, he was the Chairman of the Associate Member Advisory Council (AMAC) and a member of the Board of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). He was the first aircraft broker to serve on the NBAA board. Jay also served on the Customer Advisory Board of Jet Aviation and on the Customer Advisory Board of Airbus North America. Jay also served on the Duncan Aviation Customer Advisory Board for 2 terms and was on the Board of Directors of The Morris Animal Foundation.
Jay regularly speaks at industry gatherings, writes the monthly Mesinger Pulse newsletter (Jay Mesinger’s Industry Perspectives), and started the very first aviation brokerage website over 29 years ago, www.jetsales.com. Jay continues to communicate from the cutting-edge of business aviation through various social networking platforms – The Mesinger Blog (https://jetsales.com/articles/) and LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com).

Joe Moeggenberg

Levo Aero

CEO

Joe Moeggenberg is co-founder, President, and CEO of Levo.aero, a company designed to serve Part 135 charter operators. Levo offers a B2C platform that allows charter customers to book flights in real time directly with the operator. It also offers charter operators an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool that helps with marketing, operations, fleet and flight management, accounting, and other services.

Prior to Levo, Moeggenberg served as the Founder, President, and CEO of ARGUS International, Inc., from its inception in 1995 until September 2022. Under his guidance, ARGUS emerged as a specialized aviation services company with global expertise, dedicated to providing the aviation marketplace with essential information for informed decision making and risk management.  ARGUS was acquired by SGS Group in 2019.

Before founding ARGUS, Moeggenberg held pivotal roles at industry giants NetJets, where he was President, and Executive Jet Management, which he founded and sold to NetJets.

Vincent Morelli

Caliber Aircraft Solutions

President & Founder

Vinny started his aviation career on the commercial side of aircraft maintenance at a young age. He was recruited by Dassault Falcon soon after, and quickly rose through the ranks to become the youngest Project Manager within the organization. In 2018, he left Dassault and founded Caliber Aircraft, where he initially utilized his maintenance expertise to provide technical consulting services to owners, operators, and brokerage firms. After working closely on countless aircraft transactions in a technical role and building such a large network in that space, converting the company to a brokerage firm became the ultimate goal. Caliber Aircraft transitioned to solely offering aircraft brokerage services in 2021. Vinny and his team have worked tirelessly since to provide their clients with trusting and knowledgeable transaction experiences. With an eye on the future, his goal is to continue expanding his team and company, without sacrificing the firm’s client centric approach to conducting business.

Benjamin Murray

Skyservice Business Aviation

President & CEO

Skyservice’s president & chief executive officer, is a recognized thought leader and business aviation visionary with a track record of creating market-leading companies. Prior to becoming the CEO and an investment partner at Skyservice in 2020, Murray spent more than a decade at NetJets (a Berkshire Hathaway company), where he held the president & chief operating officer position and also served as president & chief executive officer of Executive Jet Management, a fully owned subsidiary of NetJets. In that position, he doubled the company’s profitability by enhancing the breadth and quality of its aircraft management, charter, and MRO services and strengthening its market position. Murray also served as president for Landmark Aviation (a Carlyle-owned company), where he built the company into the second-largest FBO, MRO and aircraft management company in the United States before positioning it for a $2B sale to BBA Aviation (Signature Flight Support) in 2016. Most recently, Murray was founder and managing member of Earth Air, LLC, a corporate aviation consulting company serving the aviation and mobility needs of international blue-chip clients. Murray serves as a current board member at the men’s club with Our Lady of Perpetual Health in Chicago. Previously, he served on the boards of the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), Lithko Contracting and Young Presidents Organization. Prior to his aviation career, Murray was a professional baseball player. He was drafted into major league baseball by the Pittsburgh Pirates and earned a gold medal playing for the U.S. Olympic Festival baseball team.

Greg Norwood

GE Aerospace

Sr. Sales Director

Greg Norwood is the Sr. Sales Director for GE Aerospace. Greg is responsible for OnPoint sales outside of the Americas and LEAP VIP Services sales for the Americas and APAC.
Greg brings with him nearly 25 years of experience in aviation. Over the course of his career, he has extensive experience in repair and overhaul for GE/CFM powerplants. The last 11 years Greg has worked exclusively in Business Aviation specializing in sales, account management, customer support, and strategy.
Greg received a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Oklahoma State University. Greg currently resides near Wichita KS.

Bill Paperiella

Aero Ventures

CEO

Bill is a seasoned senior executive within the aviation industry. Before co-founding Jet Edge International, he spent the previous six years working at NetJets, Marquis Jet, and Sentient. As senior vice president, Bill was responsible for advising and educating individuals and corporate clients on a variety of private aviation solutions including fractional ownership, jet card membership, charter and whole aircraft management.

During his tenure in the private aviation industry, Bill’s efforts have consistently propelled his sales teams to #1 in total new business year over year. Under his leadership Jet Edge has rapidly emerged as one of the leading sales, acquirers, and operators of luxury large cabin aircraft in the world.

Prior to being recruited into the aviation industry, Bill was a former Hollywood film executive and entrepreneur spearheading movie projects with A-list talent and major studios. Bill is a native of Pittsburgh, educated at Ohio University and is a member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO-WPO) – Beverly Hills Chapter.

James Person

Viasat

Sr. Director, Global Business Development for Business and VIP Aviation

James Person joined Viasat in 2013, where he leads sales and business development in the Business and VVIP Aviation segment of the company, an area that Viasat has been active in for more than ten years, including both Ka and Ku-band networks.

Prior to Viasat, Mr. Person had general management, sales, and product management roles in high technology wireless and satellites communications companies. He began his career as a US Naval officer where he deployed during combat operations to the Middle East twice on a destroyer.

Mr. Person earned a BSEE degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an MBA in international marketing from the University of Southern California (USC).

James Prater

Rolls-Royce

Vice President Customer Support – Business Aviation

James Prater is an aviation enthusiast with over 30 years of industry experience. James joined Rolls-Royce in 2019 and is currently the Vice President Customer Support, Business Aviation ensuring the Rolls-Royce team remains customer driven.

James’ passion for aviation and vision for white-glove treatment allows him to actively engage in the business and around the industry to promote aviation, as well as to listen, learn and lead others to even better levels of customer experience.

James is educated as an aircraft technician and a pilot/flight instructor and began his career in general aviation where he taught flying and performed and oversaw routine and heavy maintenance on a variety piston-powered aircraft. Later, he transitioned into corporate jet maintenance. James went on to lead a world-class airframe maintenance division, and then turbine engine services, including on-wing, mobile repair teams, and an overhaul facility with test cell.

Leona Qi

Vista

President US

Leona Qi joined Vista in 2016 as head of the Asia-Pacific market, where she tripled the customer base, and now serves as President U.S., Vista. With her leadership, the team is responsible for growing Membership across North America, the biggest and fastest growing market in business aviation. Mrs. Qi has over a decade of experience in capital markets and business aviation finance. Prior to joining Vista, she held various roles at Global Jet Capital, Guggenheim Partners, and BNP Paribas. She holds a master’s degree from Princeton University and resides between New York City and London with her family.

Kennedy Ricci

4AIR

President

Kennedy serves as the President of 4AIR to offer expertise and guidance for creating meaningful sustainability commitments focused on aviation. Kennedy has worked to promote a more comprehensive and long-term way of thinking about sustainability for aviation while providing increased transparency, comparability, and ease of starting a program. Kennedy is a passionate general aviation pilot and has a degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Joan Roberts

Insured Aircraft Title Services

Vice President & Escrow Agent

Having been active in the aviation business since 1988, Joan Roberts is currently a Vice President and Escrow Agent for Insured Aircraft Title Service, LLC in Oklahoma City. She has been with Insured Aircraft since 1997 handling a worldwide customer base that literally numbers in the thousands.

Previously Mrs. Roberts worked in a similar role for another major aircraft title and escrow company in the Oklahoma City area after leaving a paralegal role with a major law firm in their aviation division.

Mrs. Roberts is a member of National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA), National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA), International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), Women in Aviation International (WAI), Women in Corporate Aviation (WCA), and International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA). She has also been involved in the NBAA Leadership conference and has actively worked in the IATS management team in marketing and development efforts, traveling to and actively working to assist and cultivate existing and potential clients at EBACE in Geneva, ABACE in China, and CJI in London and Miami.

Joan is an active proud mother of four grown children, Katie and Carrie, twins who both graduated from Florida State University, Claire, a veterinarian practicing in Colorado Springs, and her son, Ryan, who graduated from Southern Nazarene University. When not engaged with her family, she enjoys travel, golf with friends, cooking and entertaining.

David Shannon

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith

Partner

David Shannon is the Chair of the Business Aviation Practice and a Partner in the New York and Fort Lauderdale offices. He is also the Administrative Partner of the Fort Lauderdale office.

Mr. Shannon’s Business Aviation expertise involves structuring the purchase and sale of large long-range business jets and helicopters for Fortune 500 companies, large international corporations, ultra-high net-worth clients, and family offices. He is an industry recognized resource regarding the federal tax requirements for obtaining the Bonus Depreciation deduction. Additionally, Mr. Shannon has negotiated complex finance documents with leading global banks and also successfully represented clients regarding multi-million-dollar sales tax liability matters.

As a member of the Corporate Practice, Mr. Shannon has a record of achievement in a wide variety of corporate transactions including: mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate restructurings, banking and finance, securities regulation, and federal, state and local taxation. 

Finally, Mr. Shannon serves as a technical resource analyzing corporate entities related to business planning strategies, reviewing estate and gift tax issues, and providing legal and accounting advice to ultra-high net-worth clients and their advisors.

Sakeer Sheik

Titan Aviation

Managing Director

Capt. Sakeer Sheik is the Founder and Managing Director of Titan Aviation, a leading Aircraft Management and Charter Sales company headquartered in the USA with operations spread across worldwide.
Capt Sakeer Sheik who is driven by passion and love for Aviation is one of the youngest Pilot to own an aircraft in India and started his career in the mid 1990’s with a Pilot Training Academy (Flight School).
Later he moved to Dubai – UAE and formed Titan Aviation Group during 2004.
Capt. Sakeer is an Alumni of Embry Riddle. In the past, he has served as a Board Member, and Government Representative for Aviation companies based in the Middle East.
As an industry veteran, he has helped HNI’s and large corporations by proving to them that owning or chartering a private jet is relatively more economical while considering the savings of time and other tangible benefits. He has also been a strong proponent of flight safety and safety management system, and had worked hard to steer owners and customers away from grey charter market.

Don Spieth

VanGas Aviation Analytics

Don Spieth is the VP of Sales and Analytics at General Aviation Services. Working with top Analysts and Industry leaders to inform Aviation Directors, Flight Departments, and colleagues in the business aviation world. Using data and expertise to simplify and visualize market dynamics has been Don’s passion for several years. As a certified Black Belt in Six sigma, he attributes data analysis and the use of sophisticated analytics to his success in commercial roles over his 25-year career.
Don has had the privilege of contributing to leadership teams at premier companies including Alstom Grid, Van Buren Advisors, and General Electric. In his ten plus years at the General Electric Company, Don held senior leadership positions in Energy Services, Power Generation, and Corporate Communications.
As an accomplished presenter in large audiences of commercially focused personnel, Don is able to champion and communicate key initiatives from top level leadership in domestic and international capacities. He has provided direction to Global Executives and Local Commercial Leaders on proper planning and execution of sales training curriculum based on analysis of local market conditions in mature and emerging markets. He is proficient in the coaching, training and development of Sales Leaders and Sales Professionals at all levels for multiple P&L’s in matrix organizations.
Prior to joining GE, Don was VP of Sales and Marketing for Programma Electric in North America. He graduated with a B.S. in Marine Engineering at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY. Don Lives with his wife Klaudia in Long Grove Illinois where they are raising their three children: Kevin, Calvin, and Olivia.

Zach Ungerleider

Honeywell Aerospace Technologies

MSP Sales Manager-Engine/APU

Zach is currently enrolled in the MBAA program and is an alumni at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Currently serves on the NBAA Maintenance Committee and has served on the NBAA YoPro Council. NBAA Top 40 Under 40 recipient in 2018. Previously held positions in Maintenance Engineering & Aftermarket Sales at Textron Aviation. Certificated A&P mechanic & instrument rated pilot.

Shawn Vick

AE Industrial Partners

Partner

Shawn Vick has over 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry as a senior operating executive and as an advisor to private equity. He has held senior leadership positions at British Aerospace, Gulfstream Aerospace, Bombardier Aerospace, Landmark Aviation, Hawker Beechcraft, and AE Industrial Partners. He also has operating experience in the MRO and charter management segments of the business aviation market.

Currently, Shawn is a partner and member of the investment committee at AE Industrial Partners, a private equity firm specializing in aerospace, power generation, and specialty industrial investing with over $500 Million in assets under management. He is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global Jet Capital, an aircraft financing company with $2.5 Billion in assets owned by AE Industrial Partners, FS/KKR Advisor, LLC, and The Carlyle Group.

Over the course of his career Shawn has been heavily engaged in restructuring and M&A activities including divesting of Landmark Aviation’s FBO network, the restructuring of Hawker Beechcraft and subsequent acquisition by Textron, and the acquisition of GE Capital’s business aviation portfolio in support of Global Jet Capital’s emergence as a leader in business aviation financing solutions.

Shawn holds a BS from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and completed the Oxford Air Transport Course programs at Oxford College, England. He serves on the boards of three private companies. Mr. Vick is an active private pilot.

Alan Walsh

Sentient Jet

Senior Vice President, Client Management and Operations
Alan Walsh is the Senior Vice President of Client Management and Operations at Sentient Jet, where he oversees all aspects of Business Operations and Client Experience. In his role, Alan is responsible for ensuring a seamless client experience and driving Sentient Jet’s digital and operational innovation. 

Since joining Sentient Jet in May 2019, Alan has been instrumental in leading the company’s digital transformation and customer-centric approach. In an effort to optimize responsiveness, he expanded Sentient Jet’s customer service organization, doubling its size and expanding to new locations while maintaining a 95%+ customer satisfaction rating. He also played a key role in the development and launch of auto text-to-book, a private aviation “first” which provides Card Owners with a seamless way to transact quickly and efficiently. 

Prior to joining Sentient Jet, Alan spent over 20 years in the technology sector, notably in Senior Leadership roles at both Dell Technologies and EMC Corporation teams. At Dell Technologies, he led Global Business Strategy and Transformation for  Customer Service, where he was deeply involved in creating new approaches to business using existing and emerging technologies. He also held key roles in leading Global Service Centers and Executive Customer-facing relationship management. His transition to private aviation was driven by a keen interest in Sentient Jet’s commitment to innovation and the opportunity to incorporate analytical insights to strengthen the client experience. Alan has a strong track record for exceeding customer expectations and delivering best-in-class quality and his efforts have been recognized both within the industry and by his peers.

A native of County Cork in Ireland, Alan currently resides in the Greater Boston area. He holds a B.A. from the University of Galway in Training and Education. 

Seth Zlotkin

5x5 Trading

Partner

Profile coming soon