LUXAVIATION UK CEO PATRICK MARGETSON-RUSHMORE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

London, UK: Luxaviation UK is today announcing that the company’s co-founder and CEO Patrick Margetson-Rushmore is to take early retirement from 31 May 2020.

Margetson-Rushmore says: “It is with great sadness that I have taken the decision to retire as CEO of Luxaviation UK. As colleagues are aware, I have some health issues and I am looking forward to spending time relaxing with my family. I would like to stress that this has been planned for some time and is not Covid-19 related.

“I will maintain my involvement with Luxaviation on a part-time consulting basis, including representing the Group at conferences – whether that be virtual or in person when the time comes. It will be a pleasure to continue supporting the company as it charts its future course.”

From 1 June, Luxaviation UK’s co-founder and Managing Director George Galanopoulos will become the company’s sole leader and CEO in addition to his role as European Head of Charter for the Luxaviation Group. He will be supported by Luxaviation UK’s highly experienced senior management team, comprising Martin Hilder, who is being promoted to Chief Operating Officer; Kimon Daniilidis, who will become Chief Customer Support and Strategy Officer; and Tony Medlock, who continues as Chief Financial Officer.

Margetson-Rushmore comments: “Luxaviation UK has come a long way since George and I co-founded the business in 1996 in a post-war hut in Stapleford Aerodrome. In 2014, we were delighted for it to become part of the Luxaviation Group and the company today is in great shape. Under the leadership of George and our talented senior team it can look forward to a bright future.”

George Galanopoulos says: “Business air charter is undoubtedly facing both challenges and opportunities with Covid-19, Brexit, and as we seek, as an industry, to reduce carbon emissions and push towards sustainability. I am confident in our ability to evolve and grow in the coming years as we have since Luxaviation UK’s inception, and am proud to be leading the company at this point in its history.

“Whilst I will miss the partnership Patrick and I have shared, the support of the many individuals and entities within Luxaviation will ensure a smooth transition as we continue our progression as part of the Group.”

Award-winning Luxaviation UK was founded as London Executive Aviation by Patrick Margetson-Rushmore, George Galanopoulos and Amanda Galanopoulos. The company grew from a two-aircraft operator serving horseracing jockeys and local businesses into an acclaimed market leader, counting FTSE 100 corporations and government bodies amongst its many customers. The business operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, ranging from the Beechcraft King Air 200 turboprop to the ultra-long-range Bombardier Global 6000 business jet.

Patrick Hansen, CEO of Luxaviation Group, says: “Luxaviation UK has become an important part of the Group’s private jet business under Patrick and George. We have always valued the insight, creativity and experience Patrick has brought and thank him for his contribution, as we continue our evolution into a large-scale luxury company.”

ENDS

About the Luxaviation Group:

Since 1964, the Luxaviation Group has been tailoring private travel experiences for a global clientele. Founded by André Ganshof van der Meersch, a Belgian entrepreneur, pilot and nobleman, our fifty plus-year history still proudly takes flight with our commitment to creating excellence through visionary, pioneering and innovative private aviation experiences.

Luxaviation Group is comprised of top-of-the line aviation brands: Luxaviation, Luxaviation Helicopters, Starspeed, and ExecuJet. Our more than 1300 employees work in an around-the-clock operation on five continents, delivering stellar service in the areas of aircraft management for private and commercial aircraft, private air charter services, and the management and operation of VIP Passenger Terminals in 25 airports around the globe.

Ever innovative in spirit, the group has leveraged its global perspective, carrying the value of its founder into its transformation as the world’s premier luxury experience travel company. Through the development of bespoke luxury travel packages in private jets, yacht management, various ventures, fine wines, and our very own Luxaviation Client Service Training Academy, we are honoured to evolve our brand in keeping with the ever-changing luxury travel landscape.

Further information: www.luxaviation.com

Media Contacts:

Juliane von Heimendahl

Luxaviation

Tel: +41 76 356 8251

juliane.von.heimendahl@luxaviation.com

Trudi Beggs / Julia Meadon / Kayla Wilkins

8020 Communications

Tel: +44 (0)20 7664 6310

luxaviation@8020comms.com

Getting social?@Luxaviation #luxaviation #bizav #avgeek

Paul Cremer

My name is Paul Cremer, and this marks my 42nd year working within the business and general aviation industry. Over this time, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing a diverse array of sector activities, ranging from aircraft charter and management to air ambulance services, ground operations, air traffic control, airport management, technology implementation, and the outsourcing services I currently manage.

In my role focused on delivering advisory, technology, and outsourcing services to aviation customers, I handle a wide spectrum of responsibilities. This includes overseeing International Trip Support, Operations Control Centre Services (OCC), Continuing Airworthiness Management Service (CAMO), Airworthiness Reviews, ARC Services, Aircraft Delivery and Re-delivery Support Services, Maintenance Coordination Services including AOG, Tech Ops (Maintenance Control Centre), and managing myairops software products. As the Head of Aviation Delivery, I lead the customer-facing delivery of Technology & Outsourcing products and services for the market, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and industry connections within Gama Aviation’s Technology and Outsourcing Strategic Business Unit.

My journey into Business and General Aviation began during my teenage years while still in school. I was fortunate enough to be welcomed into the industry, starting at a flying club, and later working at the Air Traffic Services Unit at Blackbushe Airport. There, I maintained the ATC Movement Logs in the Control Tower during weekends, solidifying my passion for aviation. Upon completing my schooling, I seized opportunities at Fairoaks Airport, where I began as Ground Crew while pursuing my Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer’s license. Advancements in my career led me to the role of Air Traffic Services Manager.

Since joining Gama Aviation in 1996, I’ve held various positions, including Operations Manager (Post Holder), Operations & Commercial Manager, Commercial Manager, Operations Delivery Manager, Head of Business Aviation Delivery, and currently, Head of Aviation Delivery. This role encompasses Gama Aviation Group’s Gama Aviation, myairops, and FlyerTech companies.

In 2023, I was honoured to be invited to serve as the Chair of the Operations Working Group for the British Business & General Aviation Association. This opportunity allows me to contribute to industry initiatives within BBGA’s membership of nearly 200 industry companies, focusing on challenges such as regulatory compliance, Air Services Agreements, technological advancements, workforce development, operational matters, and sustainability.

Marc Bailey

Marc Bailey has spent his entire career in aviation and has worked in most areas of Aviation Services with scheduled airlines, MRO’s, military contract support and latterly with associations, government, and its agencies.

Marc represents your position in Europe (even post Brexit) – as President of ECOGAS (European Council of General Aviation Support) which maintains a voice with EASA. All the major member states are represented on the ECOGAS board. With EASA restructuring its meetings with industry, ECOGAS is now well positioned to represent our position in all areas following industry partnerships with the European Independent Maintenance Group and with ARPAS the new drone and autonomous association.

Marc is chair of the UKASF (United Kingdom Airworthiness Strategic Forum) as part of an initiative to develop Aviation Services across all aviation activities. The UKASF pulls together airlines, MROs, Rotary, Drones, and commercial GA bodies to work with CAA and DfT. The objective is for industry to take the lead to drive strategic issues to benefit all parties. We are well positioned after four years to continue our good work and with the re-established role of Chief Surveyor in the CAA we have a good focal point to do this.

Marc chairs the CAA Finance and Services Forum which allows industry in the UK to discuss in the financial plans for the CAA and the value for money delivered by those funds paid by industry. This is a new and valuable new platform for all parties.

Under recent developments Marc has formed an alliance with, ARPAS, AOPA, BHA and BBGA so that we can strengthen our voice under a joint ‘GA 4 Biz’ banner. This alliance is working to do everything possible to represent the industry’s business interests with UK government and to help realise the Government’s desire to make UK General Aviation a Global Leader in a post Brexit environment. GA4Biz – GA4Biz

The next Generation initiatives with industry and government have continued to develop with the retention platform now evolving into the “Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform”. The platform now not only offers a vehicle for those offering and seeking posts in aviation, it also provides pathways with its TalentView portion seeking to provide pathways for new entrants into our sector. The recruitment platform is being further developed to include training opportunities across a wide range of providers, from government agencies through academic bodies. Getting our next generation activities right in the UK over the next couple of years is our single most important issue which we in aviation must grab with both hands. Marc is playing a central role to help develop many of these channels.

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