Connecticut-headquartered aircraft brokerage and consulting firm Guardian Jet says it has soared above a flattening market to achieve record-breaking sales exceeding $2 billion for 2023. At the same time the company enjoyed unprecedented growth in its consulting services, marking its most successful year for new aircraft acquisitions in its 22 year history.

Owners and managing partners Mike and Don Dwyer are to unveil a host of strategic expansion initiatives and key leadership promotions.

"Despite facing a flat market landscape, we're committed to reinvesting and expanding in every facet of the business," says Mike Dwyer. "From bolstering our workforce to enhancing technological infrastructure and services, Guardian Jet has spared no effort in fortifying our position and driving growth. As we further invest in our people, technology and services, we're confident that we will continue to increase market share, drive growth and solidify our position as a global leader in aircraft sales and acquisitions."

Coming off such impressive growth and gains in 2023, expanding the Guardian Jet team in key areas has a high priority. Chief among the leadership changes is the appointment of president Michael 'Doc' Dwyer as managing partner and Gabriel Bastos, formerly vice president of sales, has been appointed head of global sales.

In addition, Meghan Dwyer, based in France, assumes the role of regional sales manager, Europe, where she will spearhead business development efforts for Guardian Jet's clients across the region; Amber Gardner has been appointed regional sales manager, West Hudson, tasked with driving business development efforts for clients and prospects located west of the Hudson River in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia; John Ballenger joins the company as Mountain regional sales manager, responsible for building client relationships and market share in Midwestern and western states, including Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa; Greg Sydor, based in New York City, joins as regional sales director for the firm's Mid-Atlantic region; and Wyatt Breedlove and Brantley Gandy join the trading floor staff as aircraft market researchers from the aviation programme at Auburn University, marking the company's commitment to recruit and nurture young industry talent.

"These key leadership changes illustrate our desire to empower the next generation," says Don Dwyer. "While my brother Mike and I aren't going anywhere, we want to harness the talents and capabilities of our star performers now, and lay the foundation for our continued growth and sustainability in coming years."

Guardian Jet is also channelling its investment in technology, including its proprietary intellectual property in the Vault and the implementation of advanced call centre omni-channel technology platforms. These major tech developments enable the company to expand its global footprint and enhance client engagement.

"Our expansion into new markets, including Latin America, Mexico, the West Coast and Europe, necessitated the scaling of call centre operations to accommodate increased demand," says Mike Dwyer. "Despite the flat market conditions, we're doubling down on our expansion efforts, with a focus on fostering a truly global presence."