Business Aviation

Private Jet Company Volato Strengthens Tech-Focus with CTO Hire

Private Jet Company Volato Strengthens Tech-Focus with CTO Hire
Volato, the most efficient way to experience a luxury private jet, today announced that Steve Drucker has joined the team as Chief Technology Officer. Since its inception, Volato has focused on delivering business model innovation through its successful fractional ownership and Stretch Jet Card programs and can now accelerate its tech innovation and product development for the industry with this new CTO hire. Steve Drucker brings to the company nearly three decades of experience building development teams as well as enterprise and consumer facing products. He was previously the Chief Information Officer and EVP of Software Engineering at a publicly listed company, project lead for www.wmata.com, and has authored over a dozen books about software development for Salesforce.com, Adobe, Intel, and others. Effective immediately, Steve will manage Volato's existing team of in-house developers.

"There currently exists a tremendous gap in the requirements for aviation operational and customer focused software services, From the very beginning, Volato has been aware of this opportunity and knows how tech can be a disruptor in the industry. We have been carefully working towards closing the gap and Steve will be a critical part in the implementation of future plans. We are very excited to have him join our team to lead our technology efforts"

Josh Newsteder, Director of Operations at Volato

I am delighted to join the team at Volato and to once again work with past colleagues that I have long respected," commented Drucker. He continued, "I am impressed with the company's vision for the industry, their culture of innovation and the building of aviation solutions that put their fractional owners and passengers first. Volato operates one of the largest and most modern fleets of HondaJets in the world with 11 aircraft and 18 on order, and now offers fractional shares in a fleet of Gulfstream G280's. Other products include charter services, the Stretch Jet Card: the only in-fleet jet card that rewards flexibility, and Volato Aircraft Management Services with a focus on HondaJets and large cabin aircraft. With IS-BAO Stage 2 and ARGUS Platinum safety ratings and an accident-free history, Volato operates with the highest safety standards of any HondaJet operator. In addition, Volato offsets the CO2 on every gallon of fuel used by its fleet through its program with 4AIR and provides pilots with robust training and a balanced lifestyle. Volato is positioned to be an industry leader as it continues to develop the most innovative solutions in private aviation.

About Volato:
Volato is a full-service aviation company providing modern ways to enjoy luxury private jets through innovative, friendly, and sustainable solutions. Volato provides a fresh approach to fractional ownership, aircraft management, jet card and charter programs. Volato's fractional program uniquely offers flexible hours and a revenue share on every live mission for owners in a fleet of bespoke HondaJet Elites which are optimized for missions of up to four passengers, and Gulfstream G280's which are optimized for missions of up to ten passengers.

Spotlight

Spotlight

Related News

Aviation Technology

BETA Technologies picks Garmin for its all-electric aircraft

Aerospace Manufacturing and Design | October 10, 2023

Garmin has a long-term agreement to provide the state-of-the-art Garmin G3000 integrated flight deck to BETA Technologies for its CX300 electric fixed-wing aircraft and A250 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The conventional fixed wing CX300 aircraft and A250 eVTOL aircraft are designed to enable a diverse range of missions and operations including short-haul transport operations for military, cargo, medical, and passenger applications – all with zero emissions and lower operational costs. BETA intends to enter into service as early as 2025 with its ALIA CTOL (CX300), and as early as 2026 with its ALIA VTOL (A250). "We've been strategically working with BETA for several years in their effort towards bringing a sustainable aviation solution to the market. It's an honor to have our integrated flight deck chosen for the revolutionary A250 and CX300 aircraft and we are thrilled to be part of BETA's mission to grow the electric aviation market," said Phil Straub, Garmin executive vice president & managing director, Aviation. Garmin's integrated flight deck boasts vibrant high-resolution flights displays and the latest communication, navigation, surveillance air traffic management (CNS/ATM) based on a lightweight and highly flexible open system architecture design enabling a seamless integration with BETA's flight control, propulsion, and battery management systems. Garmin's flexible architecture and agile development process enables BETA to leverage the latest in flight deck technologies while seamlessly integrating BETA's innovative fly-by-wire system and human machine interface designs for electric propulsion and novel operations in an eVTOL aircraft. "Garmin is widely recognized as the leader in avionics, we're excited to be able to bring this familiar and time-tested experience to our customers. It's gratifying to have the support of this legacy aerospace company as we look to bring our electric aircraft to market. They've been a true strategic collaborator as we work together to develop the next era of sustainable aviation," said Kyle Clark, BETA founder and CEO. Garmin International Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. which is incorporated in Switzerland. Its principal subsidiaries are in the United States, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. Garmin and G3000 are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries.

Read More

Aviation Technology

Eviation announces Letter of Intent with flyVbird for 25 Alice All-Electric commuter aircraft

PR Newswire | October 17, 2023

Eviation Aircraft, a leading manufacturer of all-electric aircraft, today announced that flyVbird, an emerging on-demand regional airline, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 25 Alice aircraft, with options for a further 25. flyVbird is committed to enhancing connectivity in rural areas where it will use smaller, more accessible airports. The airline is driven by unique algorithms to deliver on-demand air travel to routes passengers want to fly. It plans to secure its own Air Operator Certificate to utilize Alice for decentralized and sustainable travel across Europe, connecting unconnected or underserved communities worldwide and delivering carbon-free, cost effective, convenient air travel. Leading the Electric Revolution The nine-seater Alice is the world's first flight-tested all-electric commuter aircraft. Built from a clean-sheet design, the Alice produces zero emissions and costs significantly less to operate per flight hour compared with light jets or regular turboprops. It is powered by two magni650 electric propulsion units developed by magniX, the global industry leader in flight-proven electric propulsion systems. "The European Union is moving forward with ambitious new rules aimed at decarbonizing the aviation industry," said Eddie Jaisaree, Vice President, Commercial Sales at Eviation. "The Alice is the innovative and beautifully designed aircraft needed to lead aerospace's transition to net zero carbon emissions. We are very pleased to partner with flyVbird in the future of flight." "The fact that Alice is a zero-carbon, quiet, low operational cost aircraft makes it the perfect solution for flyVbird to deliver clean, on-demand regional travel across Europe into the next decade and beyond," said Anton Lutz, CEO of flyVbird, at the Routes World 2023 Conference in Istanbul. "Through our unique AI-driven approach, we will offer direct alternatives to typical hub-and-spoke operations and Alice will play a critical role." About Eviation Aircraft Based in Washington State, U.S., Eviation Aircraft Inc. develops and manufactures electric aircraft to delight operators and passengers with green, cost efficient and convenient regional transportation. Its electric propulsion units, high-energy-density batteries, mission-driven energy management, and innovative airframe are designed from the ground up for electric flight. Please visit us at www.eviation.com. About flyVbird flyVbird GmbH (formerly flyvirtual.global UG) is an emerging regional airline headquartered in Germany. In lieu of a traditional hub-and-spoke network, flyVbird's airline model is an AI-backed carrier that will use algorithms to schedule flights based on paid bookings. Its focus will be on serving regional airports to offer a faster and more convenient alternative to traditional transport methods.

Read More

Aerospace

Eviation Announces Order from Solyu for 25 Alice All-Electric Commuter Aircraft

PR Newswire | September 12, 2023

Eviation Aircraft, a manufacturer of all-electric aircraft, today announced that Solyu, a leasing company based in Seoul, South Korea, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for 25 commuter Alice aircraft with options for 25 additional aircraft. Solyu is focused on supporting sustainable aviation by providing financing and leasing solutions for the Alice to a global customer base of operators. Leading the Electric Age of Aviation The nine-passenger Eviation Alice is the world's first flight-proven all-electric commuter aircraft. Built from a clean-sheet design integrating magniX's industry-leading electric propulsion system, Alice produces zero carbon emissions and features lower operating costs per flight hour compared to light jets or high-end turboprops – thereby providing the opportunity to activate more routes, improving the convenience of air travel. "Solyu's order is a testament to how lessors are embracing Alice as the future of flight," said Eddie Jaisaree, Vice President, Commercial Sales at Eviation. "The leasing community is an important constituent in bringing about sustainable change in the aviation industry. It is exciting to see a forward-thinking company such as Solyu recognizing Alice's zero carbon technology, economic viability and beautiful design." "We are very excited to work with Eviation to bring sustainable aviation to the market," said Andrew Claerbout, President of Solyu. "With aviation regulations focusing on sustainability and airlines demanding to reduce their carbon footprint, we see Alice as a major contributor to meeting those targets. In addition to its zero emissions, Alice's flexible layout and low operating costs will provide operators opportunities to open new markets." "As we continue to take important steps toward certification, Alice has now secured US$ 5 billion in orders," said Gregory Davis, CEO of Eviation. "It is gratifying to see the marketplace so excited about Alice's innovative design, low cost of operation and environmental credentials. We are delighted to have Solyu, our newest leasing customer, join us in our mission to lead the electric age of aviation." About Eviation Aircraft Based in Washington State, U.S., Eviation Aircraft Inc. develops and manufactures electric aircraft to delight operators and passengers with green, cost efficient and convenient regional transportation. Its electric propulsion units, high-energy-density batteries, mission-driven energy management, and innovative airframe are designed from the ground up for electric flight. Please visit us at www.eviation.com. About Solyu Based in Seoul, South Korea, Solyu is a lessor focused on providing customers with the newest technology, zero emissions aircraft. The team at Solyu is highly experienced with decades of global experience in aircraft leasing and finance.

Read More