Elite Jets has added a pilot and four operations team members as the Naples-based private charter company continues to experience unprecedented growth.
Elite Jets owns four Embraer Phenom 300 jets and one Embraer Legacy 500 jet 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. Additionally, the company has a Bell 407 helicopter that provides sightseeing and travel services across southern Florida.
“We now have nearly 30 pilots on staff, and because our jets are in the air more often, we needed to grow our operations team on the ground,” said Stephen Myers, CAM, senior vice president at Elite Jets. “Ever since the pandemic started, affluent business and leisure travelers 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 hired Eric Cooter as a first officer for the Phenom 300, a luxury jet that transports up to nine passengers 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’s 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 at Elite Jets, 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. Hosey earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton.
Elite Jets has added three flight operations specialists, which oversee the logistics and scheduling for six jets and the helicopter.
Andre Labadie previously was 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. Labadie 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. Pornbowornkiat earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
P. Blake Stephens started flight training at age 15 and later earned private pilot, commercial drone and skydiving licenses. He served in the U.S. Army and was co-owner of a drone videography company. Stephens earned a bachelor’s degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
For more information about job opportunities at Elite Jets, please visit EliteJets.com/careers or call 239-900-9000.
Founded in 2016, Elite Jets is a premier, safety-focused charter aircraft service that serves destinations across the U.S. and abroad. Elite Jets’ fleet includes four Phenom 300s, one Legacy 500 and a Bell 407 helicopter, as well as management of a Gulfstream G550. The company’s Embraer luxury jets are well-suited for business and leisure travelers while offering an eco-friendly, best-in-class carbon footprint. Elite Jets maintains an Argus Platinum Rating, a prestigious safety and quality designation earned by just 5% of charter operators nationwide. The company also is registered with the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (ISBAO), a set of industry-leading best practices, and the WYVERN safety data network, which displays its Safety Intelligence Report and regulatory compliance information. Elite Jets also offers aircraft management services, which include providing pilots, training, maintenance, fleet insurance, scheduling and additional services. Passengers enjoy concierge-level service from Elite Jets’ private terminal at the Naples Airport, 125 Aviation Drive South in Naples. Charter flights and empty leg flights are available. For more information, please visit EliteJets.com or call 239-900-9000.
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