How One of the Largest US Flight Training Groups, Phoenix East Aviation, Ensures it Operates Efficiently

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Managing Director Maximillian Buerger speaks with Kristoffer (KJ) Johnson, CEO and President Professional Training at Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) – one of the largest flight training groups on the east coast of the United States with a 50 year history.

The conversation covers:

  • PEA’s multi-campus operations operating over 70 aircraft
  • Tackling supply chain issues such as aircraft availability through an innovative multi-engine training aircraft initiative
  • Enhancing its ground school offering
  • KJ’s focus on ensuring the right culture at the team of the flight training group
  • Key challenges that he sees in the industry

For more information:

You can find all of the AFM.aero Pilot Training Industry Interview Episodes here.

To stay up to date and get notified about all of the latest episodes from AFM you can follow us through the below platforms:

Related Posts

Global Aviation Conglomerate Searching for Financed Pilot Training Program Representative for Poland

Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, with a fleet of 212 aircraft, via its subsidiary BAA Training announced in April 2024 the launching Pilot Runway – a financed training program with a job guarantee. The program anticipates the Group’s global expansion and growth and will be run in partnership with the Group’s ACMI companies, starting with Avion Express.

It is now searching for a sales representative to develop the Polish market. Please see an extract of the job post below:

We are seeking a bold and visionary person to lead the launch of our groundbreaking new financed pilot training program called Pilot Runway in Poland. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a new business line from the ground up and make a real difference in the lives of young people. If you have a proven track record of success in sales/marketing/business development we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

We promise a highly challenging field and wide scope of responsibilities, which will initially cover:

  • Creating and executing a strategy of sales in Poland.
  • Together with marketing team in HQ developing marketing campaigns across all channels, including TV show, dedicated YouTube channel, TikTok, etc., to attract participants to the pilot training program annually.
  • Building relationships with secondary schools/high schools to promote and cooperate for pilot training.
  • Answering incoming inquiries (Leads).
  • Providing information to the clients by phone, live/virtual meetings and e-mail.
  • Presenting in details company’s services to customer.
  • Career counselling for clients using in-depth market knowledge.
  • Actively participating in exhibitions, open days, conferences, webinars, seminars in Poland.
  • Analysing the needs of potential clients, planning meetings with them, collecting feedback and making further sales.
  • Preparing contract according to the company’s standard forms, agreeing on contract conditions with the clients.
  • Verifying specific documents and initiating KYC process.
  • Coordinating client support prior onboarding: accommodation, visa questions, medical checks, etc.
  • Working according to approved company processes.
  • Working with company IT systems to monitor and ensure a smooth sale and client service process.
  • Participating in daily meetings based on Lean principles.
  • Setting and achieving short-term and long-term goals in accordance with the company’s strategic goals.
  • Performing other duties and responsibilities assigned by direct manager.

We dream about a team member who:

  • Has more than five years of experience in sales/business development.
  • Has experience in customer service and is service -minded.
  • Knows what formal but pleasant communication with positive energy is.
  • Has experience with traditional and digital marketing.
  • Has proven experience as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Has excellentskills in a Microsoft Office 365 environment or has basic conceptional computer literacy.
  • Is self-motivated and willing to take ownership.
  • Has analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
  • Mother language is Polish.
  • Uses the English language at an effectively operational and independent level.
  • Is flexible with good time management skills.
  • Has respectful and positive attitude.
  • Wants to learn every day and thinks aviation could be the love of one`s life.

What we offer you:

  • Remote work option in Poland.
  • Additional holiday days for seniority after 2 years working for the company.
  • A Wellness day to take care of yourself and a Birthday day to celebrate.
  • Mental gym to support your emotional wellbeing from Mindletic.
  • An entertainment flight with a full flight aviation training simulator.
  • Extensive on boarding plan to ease your integration into company.
  • An international and multicultural environment in vibrant industry with plenty of challenges to achieve as well as duty trips to headquarters in Lithuania.
  • Personal growth possibilities if you are eager to progress in your career, we have a bunch of examples to share.

To apply go here and visit the Pilot Runway website

Source: BAA Training

Related Posts

US Aviation Training Group International Aero Academy Now Garmin Fleet Dealer

Lakeland, Florida, United States – International Aero Academy, which was established in 2017 initially focusing on accelerated pilot training but has since expanded to include aircraft maintenance technician training, on-demand charter services, and an in-house FAA Part 145 repair station, has shared that it has received its approval as a Garmin Fleet Dealer.

  • IAA started with just 8 aircraft and now operates operates a fleet of 26 aircraft including Tecnam P2008, P2006T and Cessna 172 and 152 aircraft
  • Currently IAA has around 100 to 120 pilots in training at any one time
  • Training aspiring pilots from around the globe IAA has recently opened an office in India and is hoping to announce a flight training cadet program with an airline in the coming months
  • IAA provides a pathway to US low cost carrier Spirit Airlines – after reaching 500 flight hours, student pilots can apply to the airline with the possibility of receiving a conditional letter of employment upon reaching 1,500 hours.

Congratulations to our entire team and thank you to Garmin. This week we became a Garmin Fleet Dealer. A very rare honor for a flight academy.” shared IAA.

Source: IAA

Related Posts