US regional air cargo carrier Alpine Air Express has welcomed Robert Frisch, an experienced leader with decades of expertise in aviation operations, regulation and planning, as chief operating officer. He will be based in the company's corporate headquarters in Provo, Utah.

In this newly created role, Frisch will be responsible for overseeing the company's operations and aircraft maintenance management team, as well as leading Alpine's 119 positions. Alpine is a leading Part 135 air cargo operator with blue chip customers including UPS, the US Postal Service, DHL and others including a growing direct point-to-point charter capability supporting express supply chain deliveries. Alpine is a portfolio company of AE Industrial Partners, a US-based private equity firm specialising in aerospace, defence and government services, space, power and utility services, and specialty industrial markets.

"Bob's deep experience in aviation operations and employee management plus his success in building companies make him the perfect choice to support our expanding team and growth strategy," says CEO Michael Dancy. "Alpine now has a growing fleet of more than 80 active aircraft, and Bob will be a great asset as we look to further enhance our maintenance performance and operations. I welcome Bob to Alpine and look forward to working with him."

Previously Frisch was COO at Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation, which currently performs flying services for United Airlines as United Express. He was responsible for oversight of all the company's operations functions for its 400 daily flights and 1,600 employees, as well as ensuring compliance with FAA regulations, managing labour relations and serving as a liaison to regulatory agencies, industry trade groups and law enforcement. Before that he served as vice president for flight operations and labour relations at Air Wisconsin, where he began his career as a chief pilot 20 years ago. He holds a BS degree in business accounting from the University of North Dakota and a JD degree from Concord University School of Law, and is type rated pilot in numerous aircraft, including the Beechcraft 1900D, which is at the centre of Alpine's fleet strategy.

"I'm excited to work with Michael and the outstanding Alpine team to help the company continue to grow strategically, deliver enhanced performance and better serve its new and existing customers," says Frisch.