Category: About People

Kim Ernzen Joins StandardAero as Chief Operating Officer

StandardAero has appointed Kim Ernzen to serve as chief operating officer. In this role, she reports directly to Russell Ford, StandardAero chairman and CEO and is responsible for global operational performance, efficiency and excellence, as well as engineering and supply chain management for StandardAero. In addition, StandardAero’s Engine Services and Component Repair Services division Presidents will report directly to Ernzen, who will maintain close oversight of the company’s overall business performance. She replaces Kerry O’Sullivan, who is retiring from StandardAero, and will be located at the company’s Scottsdale, Arizona headquarters office.  

Prior to joining StandardAero, Ernzen served as president of Naval Power for Raytheon Technologies overseeing a $6 billion division with programs supporting the U.S. Military and its global allies along with a full range of Raytheon’s offerings, while managing a complex portfolio across all life cycle phases.  She is a seasoned aerospace and defense industry executive with more than 25 years of experience working at Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft and Raytheon/RTX Corporation.  

An aerospace engineer by training, she spent the early part of her career in general aviation with a core focus in manufacturing operations, as well as aftermarket and technical support. Later in her career, Ernzen served in increasingly responsible executive roles in both operations and general management serving military, defense and space markets.  

Ernzen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering and an MBA degree – all from Wichita State University. In addition, she completed Raytheon’s Executive Leadership, Engineering Leadership Development and Principles of Leadership programs and is a recipient of the Raytheon CEO award.

“Kim’s demonstrated business success, broad technical, program management and executive leadership experience – along with her knowledge and depth in the aerospace industry – gives her the experience to have significant impact in her role at StandardAero,” said Ford. “We are pleased and fortunate to bring her onto our team and I look forward to her contributions driving continued operational and business improvements as well as growth for StandardAero.”

Mike Audus Named DVP & Business Unit Manager AMETEK MRO, Europe

 AMETEK MRO has named Mike Audus as its new DVP & business unit manager – MRO Europe.  In this new role, Audus will be responsible for driving customer satisfaction and growth, leading AMETEK MRO’s multiple businesses across Europe including: Muirhead Avionics, AEM, AvTech and Antavia.

With a career to date focused on avionics, power management systems and engine MRO, Audus has significant experience of working closely with airlines, military organizations, and across the OEM/prime manufacturer sector.

He joins AMETEK MRO as the organization reinforces its footprint in Europe. A new facility for Muirhead Avionics incorporating AvTech’s capabilities opened near LHR last year, and additional battery and wheels & brakes repair shops have recently on stream for Antavia near CDG in Paris.

Audus says that the fast-paced growth of the business, and the opportunity to get back to aircraft component MRO support after his lengthy stint with the OEMs, were the catalysts for the move. “I am keen to take responsibility for the performance of the business and bring commercial and operational skills to the table – the potential is far-reaching across the aviation industry” he explains.

“AMETEK MRO businesses in Europe have a proud heritage and strong business ethos anchored by their niche technical expertise and a reputation for excellent performance. Airlines, parts broker customers, and specifically our OEM partners entrust their MRO services to AMETEK MRO due to the services provided by our highly trained technicians and quality of work they deliver.  We are underpinned by solid partnerships throughout the supply chain which firmly support the needs of customers.

“I have worked in operations across many countries and cultures and would describe myself as an absolute Lean zealot. Removal of waste and creating value are key for me, coupled with nurturing and sustaining a culture at AMETEK MRO that everyone wants to be a part of.”

AMETEK MRO companies in Europe:  AEM, ANTAVIA, AVTECH and MUIRHEAD AVIONICS, anticipate that the next five years will be busy as the aviation sector continues to grow quickly and mature aircraft assets remain in demand as new aircraft deliveries suffer from continued supply-chain induced delays.

Audus is conscious that this growth will lead to new challenges for the OEMs and repair vendors across the region. He says, “AMETEK MRO has six main product areas: actuation, thermal management, landing gear and brakes, avionics, safety equipment and power generation. We publish monthly stock forecasts for some of our suppliers, thereby managing our customers’ expectations in terms of repair schedules and unit deliveries – and this helps them to plan efficiently.

“Innovation, and harnessing change to bring new customer benefits that maximize uptime and reduce maintenance costs, are always key components of our business strategy” summarizes Audus. “AMETEK MRO is always looking to invest, partner and establish capability that supports airlines and operators in both commercial and military sectors.”

Happy Charles Taylor Day!

Charles Taylor, who was the Wright Brothers’ mechanic and is considered the father of aviation maintenance, was born on May 24th. AMT Day is celebrated each year in the aviation maintenance industry and honors Charles Taylor on the date of his birth. Like Taylor, aircraft mechanics are truly the unsung heroes of the aviation industry. Congress passed a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National AMT Day in 2008. After several years of continuous effort, Senate Resolution #SRES335 passed in December 2016, joining Congressional Resolution #RES#444, recognizing May 24 as AMT Day, and the day is now observed in many states in the U.S. Here’s to all the people who work selflessly to ensure the safety of our air transportation system.

Patrick de Castelbajac named Chief Strategy Officer for GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace announced Patrick de Castelbajac will join the company as chief strategy officer, effective June 24, 2024, reporting to GE Aerospace chairman and CEO, H. Lawrence Culp Jr.  

De Castelbajac will lead the company’s enterprise strategic planning, working in partnership with GE Aerospace’s business and functional teams to support long-term growth by optimizing capital deployment with strategic investments across the company.

“Patrick is well regarded as one of the aerospace industry’s leading strategic operators,” said H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., GE Aerospace chairman and CEO “With his deep experience in enterprise-wide planning and execution, he will shape our investment in technology to enable the future of flight, and unlock new opportunities to drive focused, disciplined growth.”

De Castelbajac previously served in several executive positions at Airbus, including as Executive Vice President of Strategy & International, where he led the launch of the company’s zero-emission/hydrogen initiative and steered the acquisition of Bombardier CSeries (rebranded A220 Program), and additionally as President, Asia-Pacific. He also served as CEO of ATR Aircraft, the Airbus-Leonardo turboprop joint venture. More recently, he was CEO of Nordic Aviation Capital, where he successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic through contract and debt restructuring.

“I’m both thrilled and honored to join GE Aerospace at this pivotal moment in its great history and am looking forward to working with the teams to unleash their full potential, developing actionable strategies and supporting the sustainable growth of our industry,” said de Castelbajac.

AJW Group Announces Promotion of Louis Philippe Mallette to President of AJW Technique

AJW Group announced the promotion of Louis Philippe Mallette to the position of president of AJW Technique, AJW Group’s world-class Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility located in Montreal, Canada. 

Bringing more than 25 years of international operational and strategic expertise in the aviation industry to his new role, Mallette has cultivated a distinguished career, which includes his role as MRO workgroup president of Aéro Montréal supporting Quebec’s aerospace cluster, in their mission to increase cohesion, optimize the competitiveness and driving sustainable growth in the region. 

Prior to joining AJW Technique, Mallette spent 23 years at Bombardier, where he rose to the role of general manager. Since joining AJW Technique as senior vice president in September 2021, Mallette has adeptly steered the facility through its post-pandemic resurgence.

As president of AJW Technique, Mallette assumes responsibility for all facets of the facility’s operations to optimize operational efficiencies with an ongoing mandate to propel strategic growth initiatives and nurture a culture of innovation and excellence. Mallette will continue to report to and collaborate closely with AJW Group’s CEO of AJW Aviation and AJW Technique, Clyde Buntrock FCILT.

“We are delighted to announce Louis’s promotion to President of AJW Technique,” Buntrock said. “His extensive experience and leadership qualities make him the perfect fit to lead our world-class MRO facility to even greater heights.”

In response to his appointment, Mallette said: “I am honoured and excited to take on this new role at AJW Technique. I look forward to working closely with the team to drive innovation, operational excellence, and growth in the aviation industry,”

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.