Advantage Aviation Technologies (AAT), the Dallas, Texas FAA Part 145, has hired Brandon May as general manager. Prior to joining AAT May, who has worked in aviation for over 21 years, was senior operations risk partner at Southwest Airlines, and prior to this spent over seven years with the US Air Force. He will provide leadership for all aspects of the business at AAT, including operations, planning and project management, quality control and building maintenance.

“I am very happy to welcome Brandon to the AAT family,” says Debbie MacDonald, COO and chairman of the board. “We will certainly benefit from his broad experience in strategy, operations and quality control. His experience at Southwest Airlines leading safety management programmes and his leadership as a senior operations risk partner will be a great asset, both for AAT and for our customers.”

“AAT is embarking on many exciting new initiatives, including a relocation to Grandview City with a bigger shop and larger premises,” adds David MacDonald, CEO. “Considering his vast experience with aviation maintenance, Brandon will lead our company into the future.”

“Brandon is the right leader for operations at AAT,” comments Glenn Mayberry, president at AAT. “Brandon's extensive aviation background and management skills should help AAT streamline processes, focus on adding more qualified staff to the team and enhance customer satisfaction. We believe his strong leadership experience will help AAT boost its revenue growth over the next few years.”

“This is a hugely exciting time for the business with the relocation and general expansion of business,” says May. “I am delighted to now take on the role of general manager, building on David and Debbie's legacy in successfully bringing teams closer together to better serve our customers. Following the market uncertainty post-COVID and volatility that we have all experienced, our business has a clear focus on delivering innovations that support our customers.

“I am proud to now be leading the team and look forward to working with them to achieve our common goal of helping our customers with all their aircraft maintenance needs around the world.”

Advantage Aviation Technologies has also hired Chad Duval as director of business development. Duval has an extensive background in commercial aviation, repairs, machining and parts manufacturing.

For the past eight years, he was regional manager at Herber Aircraft Services, responsible for developing and maintaining good standing relationships with strategic aerospace prime contractors such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and so on. His experience in interconnectivity/wire harness sales for the military and the commercial aviation industry will be a great asset to AAT in order to expand the manufacturing and repair side of the business, specifically with major airlines in the industry. He's also worked as sales manager with Proponent for six years, where he was managing major accounts for airlines, MRO, and OEMs. He was successful in developing a sustainable network of aftermarket aerospace buyers in the US, Canada and Mexico, which increased sales and improved the company's overall visibility to the industry.

As director of business development, he will be responsible for developing and generating relationships with existing customers as well as prospects that will allow AAT to continue its growth trajectory in commercial repairs. He will further develop and diversify market opportunities consistent with strategic initiatives by performing marketplace research and analyses.

“Chad has a deep understanding of the marketplace and what MROs need to thrive in the aircraft maintenance industry,” says Glenn Mayberry, president at AAT. “His vast experience with commercial repairs will help us expand our business in the right direction.”

MacDonald comments: “Chad Duval is an outstanding appointment for AAT as we extend the influence of our repair capabilities to major airlines and operators around the world. His extensive experience is welcomed, and I know that he will pave the way for our business development into commercial aviation to new heights.”

Duval has this to say about his new role with AAT: “I am excited about the opportunity provided by AAT to foster business development in machining, new manufacturing and commercial airline repairs. I look forward to working with the team.”