Seasoned Airline Executive Derek Shanks Joins Ravn as Chief Commercial Officer

Anchorage, Alaska – Ravn Air Group (“Ravn”), Alaska’s largest regional airline, today announced that Derek Shanks, a seasoned airline and travel industry executive, will join the ranks of Ravn’s new world-class leadership team, effective December 4th. Shanks will be joining the company as its first-ever Chief Commercial Officer, responsible for leading the airline’s commercial team and all aspects of Ravn’s sales, marketing, network planning and distribution efforts. 
 
“Our team at Ravn has set out to become the best regional airline in the world, and Derek’s incredible background and skills, coupled with his worldwide experience in marketing and sales, and his focus on creating a superb customer experience, are going to help us take Ravn to even greater heights,” said Ravn’s President and CEO Dave Pflieger.  
 
Shanks brings more than 25 years of experience that has involved every kind of customer, from tourists and travel agents to business travelers and cargo shippers. He began his career at British Airways and his most recent airline role was Chief Commercial Officer of Air Mauritius, the national airline of Mauritius, which he and others took from a loss-making carrier to profitability by implementing a new commercial strategy that grew the airline and its revenue, added successful new routes and introduced new customer products. Shanks also brings a distinctively new perspective to Ravn, having served as a global travel expert who assisted companies in the hotel, rental car and cruise line sectors improve their sales and customer experience. 
 
“Ravn is a unique story in today’s industry as it is one of the few successful independent regional airlines operating in the U.S. Its deep roots and long history of serving the people and communities of Alaska provide a solid foundation to do even more,” said Shanks. “As Ravn continues to strengthen and grow, an emphasis on improving customer service and the customer experience will be key. I greatly look forward to joining Dave and the amazing team at Ravn and contributing to the airline’s inevitable success.” 
 
In September, Ravn announced a new world-class senior management team. “With the addition of Derek, Ravn’s new, highly-experienced leadership team is almost complete. We’re thrilled to have such a seasoned team of top-notch professionals help us soar and better serve Alaska,” said Pflieger.