RYE BROOK, NY – September 30, 2009 – Wayfarer Aviation, a leading business jet management and aircraft charter firm, announced today the appointment of Bill Koch as its new CEO. Mr. Koch takes the helm at Wayfarer with plans to expand Wayfarer’s global presence as a premier provider of aircraft management services and a global leader in on-demand business jet charter operations.
Koch’s aviation career includes leadership of some of the industry’s premier brands in flight operations and aviation services. He recently served as President & CEO for Imaginaire Private Jet Charter, President & COO for SevenBar Enterprises, Inc., and has more than 20 years experience in the business aviation industry. Koch initially built his career in aviation with AMR Combs, the executive aviation affiliate of American Airlines, serving as President at the time of its divestiture.
“I am proud to be joining the Wayfarer organization,” Koch said. “This is a team of exceptionally talented and dedicated people who have built unique operating systems and standards that will provide the capacity for long-term growth. Wayfarer is characterized by its history of industry leadership and its culture of safety and service quality. We will build upon those strengths and further enhance the standards of service quality to distinguish the Wayfarer brand among the industry elite.”
Laura Bellofatto-Bense, Wayfarer’s President said, “On behalf of the organization, I am excited to welcome Bill to the Wayfarer Aviation Team. I believe Bill’s experience and expertise will greatly contribute to establishing Wayfarer as a leader in the industry.”
“I think this is an important step for us. We are looking forward to having Bill onboard and helping him to take Wayfarer to the next level” said Wayfarer’s GM of Operations and VP of Maintenance, Tom Mealie.
Wayfarer offers comprehensive capabilities for business jet management and flight operations under FAR Part 91 and 135. “Our mission is to maximize the performance of our client’s aviation investment and enhance our client’s aircraft ownership experience,” Koch said.
Wayfarer is an industry-leading Air Charter service provider, offering a large fleet of exceptional business jets from major markets across the country, with operating authority worldwide. “We will continue to expand the fleet of Wayfarer managed jets available for charter service,” Koch said “and in more and more major markets around the globe. Wayfarer will be the brand that stands for exceptional quality and the most comprehensive capabilities.”
“Intelligent use of business aircraft yields bottom-line benefits,” Koch said. “In challenging markets, the stakes are higher. Wayfarer will amplify the benefits of business aviation, providing better returns on our clients’ aviation investment.”
Koch is an active civic and community leader. He earned his BA from Southern Methodist University. Koch is past Chairman of the Board of the National Air Transportation Association. He currently serves on the Board of Governors of the Air Charter Safety Foundation and the Board of Directors of the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas.
Mr. Koch can be contacted by phone at (914) 933-4847 or by email at [email protected].
About Wayfarer Aviation, Inc.
Wayfarer Aviation, Inc. offers a broad, nationwide suite of services including worldwide aircraft charter and turnkey aircraft management. Corporate Headquarters are located in Rye Brook, New York, with offices in San Francisco, Van Nuys, St. Louis and Fort Lauderdale with Principal Base Operations in Weymouth, MA. Wayfarer provides a complete aircraft operations and asset management solution for aircraft owners with the highest standards of safety, technical excellence, personalized solutions and impeccable service – backed by a Platinum rating by ARG/US and sound operational platform containing protocols of a Safety Management System (SMS). Wayfarer is also an active member of the Federal Aviation Administration's Focus Group for Safety Management Systems, NBAA's Safety and Security Committee, Air Charter Safety Foundation and Flight Safety Foundation. For more information, visit www.wayfareaviationinc.com.
