John Stuart joins Francis Aviation as vice president

John Stuart

Francis Aviation has appointed John Stuart (pictured) as its vice president.

The New Mexico-based company has a charter and FBO business, with bases at Santa Teresa, where it is building a new fuel farm, and Las Cruces, where it is improving its FBO facilities to meet the needs of increasing numbers of passengers and pilots.

“John brings an excellent mix of private FBO, Navy and Texas A&M MBA credentials, experience, discipline, knowledge and leadership to the table. We are excited to have him on board. He came highly recommended by our contacts in the industry,” said William Kell, of Franklin Mountain Management, who was charged with the executive search.

“I joined Francis Aviation because I have the sense that they are a quality operator that emphasises safety and quality customer service and equipment.”

Stuart added: “I joined Francis Aviation because I have the sense that they are a quality operator that emphasises safety and quality customer service and equipment.”

Before joining Francis Aviation, Stuart was vice president of operations at Trajen Flight Support for 13 years and later served as the EVP of aviation operations at Astin Executive Services.

Stuart continues to serve in the Navy Reserve, as a commanding officer for Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 8 in Lakehurst, NJ.

“Of course my military background is part of who I am,” he said. “I’m very proud to be a veteran. The US military provides tests and challenges that make for unique leadership styles [that] are very relevant in civilian aviation operations.”