Cranfield Institute of Technology

Air Transport Business Development Inc.

Santa Monica Airport Association

Executive Chairman position focus is on strategic customers and partnerships in the US and international markets. With thirteen years in the market, the ATBD brand offers a proven track record in:

1. Launch, funding and certification of start-up airlines.
2. Improving safety, reliability and efficiency at small and mid-size air carriers.
3. Supporting airline suppliers market their products to air carriers and airline industry.
4. Supporting and developing airports with air service and new products

With over one thousand years of collective airline industry experience, the ATBD brand is unmatched for hands-on, efficient implementation of airline and airline supplier growth and change strategies.

With support from the US Ex-Im Bank in international markets, ATBD is able to offer a one-stop service to start and improve air carriers and market US products and services. Qualified international customers may be eligible for Ex-Im financing of US products and services.

Executive Chairman

VP Airline Programs with start-up air carrier Surf Air, employee #12 in pre-launch, FAA certification and launch of commercial service on June 12, 2013. Saved company in excess of $5m in aircraft program costs and aircraft maintenance contracts in 20 months with the carrier. Surf Air is an all-you-can-fly, members-only scheduled airline. Defined Pilatus PC-12 aircraft program, short-listing candidate aircraft, negotiating three aircraft purchase deal with major operator. Directed aircraft purchase contract including aircraft inspections, payments and regulatory compliance. Stepped in for Director of Maintenance position to identify and negotiate all aircraft maintenance, supply and training contracts. Defined aircraft modifications require to meet specification. Reduced PC-12 program maintenance costs by at least 30%. Identified and contracted with major aircraft maintenance provider to source aircraft line and base maintenance and all engine, spare parts, tooling, test equipment suppliers and contracts. ATBD is a supplier to Surf Air of contracted expertise in aircraft programs, engineering, maintenance, operations and regulatory compliance.

Surf Air

Vice President Aircraft Programs

Director of Aircraft Program. Reported to company CEO. Acquired on lease two Embraer EMB-170 aircraft. Led negotiations on lease contract. Supported specification definition, negotiation of maintenance spare, parts, engine management contracts. Directed administration of aircraft lease contract including due diligence, maintenance program, payments and specification changes. Supported aircraft delivery and introduction program including training, technical publications and technical support from Embraer. ATBD provided CPA with contracted Director of Airline IT and Director of Aircraft Program.

California Pacific Airlines

Director Aircraft Program

Ascend jets

Director Aircraft Programs

Skybus Airlines

Director Fleet Transactions

Eos Airlines

Founder and CEO 2002 to 2012. Non executive Chairman January 2013 - July 2016. ATBD is an airline supplier, advisor and contracting business.

Dave Hopkins