Aircraft Management and Private Jet Charter Specialist Key Air Announces its New Vice President, Director of Operations
Oxford, CT (PRWEB) December 09, 2014 -- Key Air, a leading national provider of best-in-class aircraft management and worldwide executive jet charter services is proud to announce the addition of aviation veteran Chris Hand to its executive management team as the new Vice President, Director of Operations.
Mr. Hand replaces retiring Jim Bennett to lead the Operations Department effective December 18, 2014. Mr. Hand’s industry experience and technical knowledge will be beneficial to maintaining Key Air’s day-to-day operations and ensure a smooth transition to his new role.
Mr. Hand joins Key Air with a great deal of 91 and 135 experience having worked with flight departments of Fortune 100 companies and other charter operators. He has performed various roles throughout his career including Lead Pilot, Training Officer, Check Airman, Chief Pilot and Director of Operations overseeing 28 aircraft and 40 pilots. Mr. Hand has also had a great deal of experience working with the FAA. His dedication to safety was instrumental in increasing the flight department for another 135 operator. He has over 11000 flight hours in a wide-range of different makes and models of aircraft and is currently type-rated in the Hawker 800, Falcon 50, Falcon 900, Falcon 2000 and the BBD 700 Global Express. Mr. Hand started his career as a Lead Flight Instructor at the University of North Dakota where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Science and a Minor in Meteorology.
“I am proud to continue the great work of Jim Bennett and looking forward to forging ahead with business safety, excellence, and success both with Key Air and with our relationship with the FAA”, stated Chris Hand.
Jim Bennett came to Key Air with over four decades of aviation experience and a very successful career record. A well-respected and highly experienced aviator, he has been instrumental to Key Air’s flight operations and company as a whole. Although retiring from his current position in Operations, Mr. Bennett will stay on as a member of Key Air’s flight crews. He will continue to provide support as needed for the Gulfstream V, 550 and 450 aircraft; all part of the company’s managed fleet of charter aircraft.
“Key Air is pleased to retain both of these two experienced aviation professionals”, said Alan DePeters, Key Air President and CEO. “With a solid flight operations team in place we are positioning ourselves to be better equipped to face the challenges of ever-changing regulations and committed to strengthening relationships to bring about success for the company as a whole.” Mr. DePeters added, “Congratulations Jim on your many years of dedication to the aviation industry and to Key Air.”
About Key Air
Established in 1986, Key Air’s expertise and reputation for providing safety, reliability and exceptional customer service enabled its expansion from a regional operation to its current national status. Custom, tailored-made aircraft management solutions and boutique-style services exemplify Key Air’s commitment to individualized care. Key Air manages an impressive charter fleet of modern midsize to ultra-long range aircraft all meticulously maintained to offer clients a broad range of solutions to meet their travel needs. Committed to the safety and security of its clients, Key Air garners several prestigious safety accreditations, including Industry Audit Standard registration from the Air Charter Safety Foundation, International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (ISBAO) and continued Platinum operator status by ARG/US.
For more information about Key Air and our offerings, visit us at http://www.KeyAir.com or call us at 888.539.2471.
Chris Little, Key Air, +1 (203) 575-4416, [email protected]
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