Updates From The Network - August 2021

• Lance Phillips joined the Pinnacle Air Network as executive director - learn more about Lance in the Executive Committee section of the website.

• People In And Around The Network From AIN

  • Pilatus Aircraft has formally elected Hansueli Loosli to replace Oscar Schwenk as chairman, the company said. Schwenk announced Loosli as his successor in April when he revealed plans to relinquish the position, which he'd held for 15 years. Schwenk, who has been with Pilatus since 1978, previously held a variety of other roles with Pilatus, including CEO. Schwenk will continue to play a role in the company, supporting its strategic direction as honorary president. Loosli, a businessman who joined Pilatus's board in mid-2020, has chaired numerous other boards, including those of Coop, Swisscom, Bell Food Group, and Transgourmet.

  • John Foster has stepped into the role of chairman and CEO of Skytech. Foster has led Skytech for the past 22 years as president and has worked for the company since 1980. Justin Lazzeri, a nearly 20-year Skytech veteran, has taken the role of president. Lazzeri began as a part-time company pilot before moving into the role of director of marketing and ultimately v-p of aircraft operations. Rick Shepard, meanwhile, was named executive v-p of operations, overseeing both the FBO and flight departments. Shepard also has served with the firm for 20 years and formerly was v-p of FBO operations.

  • Blackhawk Aerospace promoted Donnie Holder to chief information officer (CIO). Holder has served with Blackhawk since its inception 22 years ago, beginning as a receptionist, later moving into IT and marketing.

  • StandardAero named Peter Wheatley v-p and general manager of its helicopters business unit in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Wheatley has served with StandardAero for 17 years, most recently as director of engineering of the helicopters business unit, and also has served as director of sales operations for its airlines and fleets division.