Naples, Florida-based Elite Jets has added a pilot and four operations team members as it continues to experience unprecedented growth. The company owns four Embraer Phenom 300s and one Legacy 500 that transport passengers to destinations across North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. It also provides management services for a Gulfstream G550 jet capable of long haul flights to Europe and Asia, and has a Bell 407 helicopter that provides sightseeing and travel services across southern Florida.

“We now have nearly 30 pilots on the staff, and because our jets are in the air more often, we needed to grow our operations team on the ground,” says senior vice president Stephen Myers, CAM. “Ever since the pandemic started, affluent business and leisure travellers have turned to private charters for their travel needs, and we have grown our workforce to ensure we continue providing an exceptional travel experience.”

Elite Jets has hired Eric Cooter as a first officer for the Phenom 300, a nine passenger jet with a 2,000 mile range. Cooter, a certified flight instructor, notched his first solo flight on his 16th birthday and has served as a chaplain and cadet in the Air Force Civil Air Patrol since 1979. He earned a bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University and a master's degree from the University of the South.

As director of finance, Mary Hosey is responsible for all aspects of finance and accounting as well as human resources. Hosey has more than 35 years of financial and accounting experience, and recently served as a controller for a large manufacturing company. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Scranton.

Elite Jets has also added three flight operations specialists who oversee the logistics and scheduling for six jets and the helicopter. Andre Labadie was previously flight manager for an international flight support company handling permits, mission support, fuel and other duties in addition to solving complex regulatory issues. He also has experience as a flight dispatcher for an air ambulance company. He earned a bachelor's degree from Lynn University. Rawan Pornbowornkiat was a student flight dispatcher who tracked student flight activities, maintained aircraft maintenance records and updated databases. She also has experience as a technical assistant for an aviation club and earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Blake Stephens started flight training at age 15 and later earned his private pilot, commercial drone and skydiving licenses. He served in the US Army and was co-owner of a drone videography company. Stephens earned a bachelor's degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.