Elite Jets adds pilots, staff as growth continues

– Elite Jets has added four pilots and additional team members as the Naples-based charter company increases staffing levels in response to continued growth.

The new pilots have experience flying commercial, private and cargo jets, as well as military aircraft.

“Elite Jets experienced a surge in demand during the pandemic, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down as we head into 2022,’” said Stephen Myers, executive vice president at Elite Jets. “Affluent business and leisure travelers are opting to travel privately for convenience and safety, and we are adding staff to ensure our clients continue enjoying an exceptional travel experience.”

GrowFL recently named Elite Jets a “Company to Watch” based on the business’ tremendous growth and potential to expand.

Newly hired team members at Elite Jets include:
Ralf Herrmann, Legacy 500 captain: Herrmann has served as a business jet pilot for a private owner and jet provider in addition to roles as a captain and first officer for several international airlines. Additionally, Herrmann, who is fluent in English, German and Luxembourgish, has experience as a flight instructor for several aviation training centers. He completed education and training programs at Alabama Aviation and Technical College, FlightSafety International and DFV Hamburg & Professional School for Aviation.

Pascal Collafarina, Phenom 300 caption: Collafarina previously flew regional commercial jets as a first officer and captain. He also has extensive experience as a flight instructor and instructor pilot for multiple academies and training centers, including a position in which he worked under a government contract to standardize FAA examiners. Collafarina served in the French Army and completed training at the Airman Aviation Academy.

Matt Simpson, Phenom 300 captain: Simpson learned to love aviation through his father, a naval aviator who served in WWII, and later became a non-commissioned officer in the Kentucky Army National Guard. He has been a private pilot with experience as an aviation safety officer for a Fortune 500 company and lead representative to the FAA’s safety team. Simpson also is a former ISBAO-accredited auditor. He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of Southern California.

Ken Urtz, Phenom 300 captain: Urtz followed his father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Air Force, where he was a flight instructor and pilot who flew 40 missions in the Persian Gulf. After his military service, Urtz captained commercial, cargo and freight carriers in North, Central and South America, as well as Asia, and has flown military charter and VIP flights. Urtz earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from the University of Maryland and a Master of Aeronautical Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Sean Nash, executive charter consultant: Nash helps clients have a seamless, enjoyable experience from booking to arrival by managing flight logistics and accommodating clients’ specific requests. His prior roles include serving as a construction manager for a contractor, as well as a sales manager and sales representative for a homebuilder. Nash earned a bachelor’s degree in commercial entrepreneurship from Florida State University.

Nick Farese, flight operations specialist: Farese is responsible for ensuring Elite Jets’ aircraft and passengers travel safely and arrive on time by focusing on maintenance, training, weather conditions and airspace. Farese, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and was a Distinguished Military Graduate through the ROTC program, served as an aviation officer in the Maryland Army National Guard.

Brian Adams, airframe and powerplant mechanic: Adams performs light and heavy maintenance on all Elite Jets’ aircraft in compliance with FAA standards. Adams began his career as an aviation maintenance technician with the United States Coast Guard and has experience as a rotor and transmission technician, as well as an air ambulance mechanic. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University.

For more information about career opportunities at Elite Jets, please visit EliteJets.com/careers or call 239-900-9000.

About Elite Jets Charters
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 Hawker 850XP. 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’ new 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.