MEET CEO'S OF AVIATION PROFILE GUIDE

CEO'S OF AVIATION MEET

PROFILE GUIDE

August 2021

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Introduction

Meet the CEO The Covid-19 need for social distancing has forced most of us to cut down our face to face contact. For business leaders this is particularly undesirable as many customers like to have a real person to relate to as the face of the company. For this reason, SA Flyer and FlightCom brings you an innovative ‘Meet the CEO’ opportunity – so that you can refresh your knowledge of the CEOs you deal with, and at the same time contribute to a worthy cause.

WE HAVE ALL FELT the devastation of COVID-19, and as Africa’s leading monthly aviation publication we want to make a small difference in the lives of those less fortunate, by pledging a portion of the proceeds from this CEO Guide to a good cause. SA Flyer is giving 10% of the total income received from this Guide to the CEO’s preferred charity or foundation.

We work on a full disclosure basis, whereby, as we receive payments, we will furnish each individual company with our proof of payment to their requested charity or foundation.

Once all payments have been received, we will also disclose in an upcoming issue of SA Flyer exactly how much money was raised and donated, with mention of all the companies who made this possible, including your logo.

Not only is this an excellent opportunity for CEO, company and brand recognition and marketing

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exposure, but it is also for a good cause – let’s help the less fortunate together!

The message that the avaiation community cares will be spread wide. The CEO Guide will be promoted on all of the following digital marketing platforms – available to read and share with the world for free: * It will be uploaded onto our information-rich website news feed www.saflyer.com * Our industry leading Facebook page. * An Email blast to thousands of our key contacts & decision makers – this includes the local aviation community. * And to link directly to the CEOs customers, the CEO profiles will include a hyperlink to the company website address.

While the temptation not to blow your own trumpet is always there – Guy Leitch, as Editor and Publisher of SA Flyer was persuaded to kick off the profiles with one of his own. j

FLYER & AVIATION PUBLICATIONS GUY LEITCH CEO – FLYER & AVIATION PUBLICATIONS (SA FLYER) Dr Guy Leitch was born in England and grew up in South Africa. Educated in Johannesburg, at St John’s College and Wits, he has a MSc in Development Finance and a PhD on African airlines.

Guy has had several different careers over the years, and he brings this diverse knowledge and business acumen to the aviation industry.

In the early 1990s he was the CEO of a large low-income housing company. He was then appointed as the Managing Director of a division of a major bank to manage their large book of repossessed properties. At the same time, he started writing and contributing to aviation and financial publications.

In 2005, he combined his two passions of aviation and writing by purchasing SA Flyer Magazine, which is by far the largest selling and

FlightCm African Commercial Aviation

widely read African aviation publication.

Guy used the SA Flyer platform to launch FlightCom magazine, which covers the aviation industry in Africa. He also published Intercom magazine for SAA Flight Operations. He is a Private Pilot with Night and Multi-engine ratings and a glider pilot.

Guy has become an aviation analyst in demand by several prominent local and international TV, radio and print publications, with regular contributions to respected media outlets. He has been married to Nicola for thirty-two years and they have three children and a neurotic Dachshund. Nicola owns highly rated guest houses in Simon’s Town and now Hoedspruit, where they live. j

Henley Air BOETA DIPPENAAR is the new CEO of Henley Air, which also includes the intensive care medical service, Rocket HEMS. He took over the role as CEO of this fastgrowing aeronautical company in South Africa on 1 July this year.

The company lives by the values of excellence, reliability, safety, care and sustainability.

“We focus on human interaction. It is such an important part of our work. Life is precious and your health is your biggest asset.”

Staying calm in stressful situations, studying hard, perseverance and a belief in a bigger purpose, are just some of the attributes which catapulted him from the cricket field into an executive role.

Dippenaar was the first pilot to fly the Rocket helicopter a year ago and says one of the ingredients for success is the company’s commitment to support their staff and crew. "To take ownership of their talents and unlock their full potential for the benefit of the country, the company, their families and themselves.” That is also the mission statement of Henley Air. j August 2021

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COMPANIES

SKYHAWK MIKE AND TRACEY GOUGH, CEO and Accountable Manager respectively of Skyhawk Aviation (Pty) Ltd. Situated in Hangar 30, Skyhawk has grown over the last thirteen years to a fleet of 16 aircraft, averaging over a thousand ours of flight instruction per month. Skyhawk has the capability of training from zero experience right through to Airbus A320 Type Rating. Mike also runs aviation awareness programs for the youth in conjunction with the Sakhikamva Foundation and Lanseria Airport Management. j

DJA Aviation GROUP CEO: LANCE WILLIAMS Lance is the Group Chief Executive Officer of i capital and managing director of DJA Aviation. He is one of the original founders of i capital and serves as a director, and is actively involved in the day to day management, of all of the various group’s short-term insurance intermediary companies.

He graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1994 with a B.Comm BAcc (with distinction) and placed in the top ten in the board exam (QE) in 1995. Lance holds a number of non-executive directorships, including serving on the board of the Reach for a Dream Foundation.

Prior to his co-founding i capital in 1998, Lance was an associate within the Corporate Finance division of the Union Bank of Switzerland.

Lance served his accounting articles at Price

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Waterhouse and was also employed in its corporate finance department. Lance is married to Roanna and is the proud father of four girls. j

ALPI AVIATION FROM THE TIME I was an eight year old boy peering wide-eyed over the fence at Springs Airfield to the adrenaline-fueled sorties at the controls of several high performance aircraft; aviation has been the essence of my being.

Now 45 years and over 140 aircraft ratings (motorised and non-motorised) later, the passion is far from waning. Passion is, after all, at the foundation of Alpi Aviation.

I’ve been privileged to win several regional and national competitions, becoming world Rally Flying Champion together with

my friend, Nigel Hopkins in 2003. I earned Springbok Flying colours in Rally and Precision flying from 1995 through to 2004, and competing twice in the World Air Games.

A defining moment in my aviation career was being interviewed by the iconic Neil Armstrong. My favourite aircraft is my 1940 Piper J3 Cub (wryly named Mrs de Klerk) – personally, it embodies the feel and the freedom of aviation in its simplest form. j

ASCEND AVIATION ‘Trustworthy Sales, Airworthy Excellence’

MAARTIN STEENKAMP STARTED flying when he was knee-high, he graduated with a background in law and has logged 25 years of experience in aircraft sales, during which time he also held a commercial pilot’s license.

Maartin Steenkamp established Ascend Aviation in early 2014. Ascend Aviation and its team of specialists now boast a combined 90 years of experience in the Aviation sales industry and are one of the leading export and import sales companies of Turbine and Jet aircraft in Africa.

Ascend is proud to be the preferred “go to” company for Leaders of State, Fortune 500 companies and Leaders of all business sectors throughout the world. Maartin is especially known for the relationships he has built with his clients over the decades.

Maartin and his team’s market knowledge and track record is greatly respected in the industry and Ascend Aviation’s customers can be assured that they are getting the most honest, independent, objective solutions to their present and future requirements.

Contact Ascend Aviation on: Tel: +27 (0)11 064 5624 Email: sales@ascendaviation.co.za Website: www.ascendaviation.co.za

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COMPANIES

AIFA CEO – FRANCOIS (PIKKIE) SIEBRITS Pikkie started his flying career in the South African Air Force in 1969. He received his wings in 1971 and 1974 he commenced the obligatory and dreaded Air Force Pilot instructors course.

Pikkie quickly became hooked on instruction and the satisfaction of seeing a young person master flying. His passion for instruction grew further in his role as a Pilot Attack Instructor at AFB Pietersburg, where young pilots tested the aircraft to maximum limitations in air combat.

He flew Commercial B747 Classic’s from 2001 to 2015 for Hydro Cargo and Air Atlanta Icelandic where he qualified as a Line Instructor and Check Captain. In 2017 he was appointed CEO at Avic International Flight Training Academy.

Pikkie understands the challenges of flight training today where there is a fine balance between using advancements in aviation technology and flying by the seat of your pants.

“Every successful student is a triumph, every unsuccessful student is a disappointment because they will never experience the joy of flight as I did.” j

Robinson Helicopter Company KURT ROBINSON – PRESIDENT, ROBINSON HELICOPTER COMPANY Kurt Robinson is the president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, a privately held company located in the Torrance, California, USA. An economist and businessman by training, Kurt holds many qualifications including a Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of California at San Diego. Kurt is a rated pilot in various types and a

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commercial pilot as well with nearly 1100 hours as pilot in command.

During his more than 35 years at Robinson Helicopter, Kurt learned the ropes from the ground up, working in a multitude of positions from expediting to support management before graduating to president and leading the company in 2010. Kurt also served on the Board of the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) from 2012-2020. j

AviSys DEWALD KRYNAUW is the CEO/ Accountable Manager and Founder of AviSys Aviation Systems.

He founded the Company in April 2011 after seeing the dire need in the Aviation Sector for local expertise to cater specifically for customers’ requirements. Avisys specialize in the overhaul and repair of aircraft and helicopter components.

With over 32 years of dedicated maintenance experience including military aircrew experience, Dewald is also a licensed Class I AME. He remains the driving force behind AviSys and they currently cater for the overhaul on numerous manufacturers’ wheels, brakes, landing gear compliments, engine fire bottles, helicopter servo controls and various hydraulic actuating components. This is all performed under their current AMO Ops Spec’s and Capability List.

Dewald Krynauw and the AviSys Team remain determined to uphold their good reputation and keep serving their loyal customer base and all new customers with the same dedication and dependability that their clients have grown to trust.

Hangar 17 Wonderboom Airport Email: dewald@avisys.co.za Phone: +27 (0) 83 442 5884 Fax: +27 (0) 86 618 6996 Website: www.avisys.co.za j

AEROSPACE ELECT

AMO 50

For all your SACAA approved

Mistral Aviation PETER JOINED SAA as an apprentice aircraft mechanic in January 1970. After qualifying in 1973, he worked in Major and Line maintenance, doing a licence on the 707, then trained as a flight engineer in 1975 on B727s and later B747s & the JU52 He also worked as an instructor on 727, 737 and 747s He worked for Air Mauritius for three years and then Phoenix Airways, as their Chief Flight Engineer.

The owners of the Phoenix aircraft, Chatterjee and Soros, approached him to be their technical representative in South Africa and he provided technical representation on the first conversion of a B727 passenger aircraft to a freighter at Safair.

CS Aviation then transferred him to New York

We are situated at 30B, AEROSPACE ELECTROPLATING Buildin Call Des on 011 827 7535 or 06

or Peter on 081 775 2434 or 08 as Vice President For all your Aircraft and Allied E AMO 5 06 Technical where he

oversaw maintenance For all your SACAA approved plating requirements of their fleet of 50 + aircraft worldwide.

This included an A300 passenger to freighter conversion project undertaken at Filton in the UK.

When the project came We are situated at 30B, Building 98, Rand Airport. Nex to an end Peter headed home to start and build Des on Services.

011 827 7535 or 063 150 1533 MistralCall Aviation or Peter on 081 775 2434 or 083 208 7244 For all your Aircraft and Allied Electroplating and queri E-Mail: Peter@mistral.co.za Website: www. mistral.co.za j

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COMPANIES

Executive Aircraft Refurbishment CEO – FRANCOIS DENTON Francois Denton has been refurbishing aircraft since 1999. Starting out, he worked late nights on refurbishment projects and studied after hours. He realized at a young age that he enjoys working with his hands, and in school realized his love for art, including oil paintings, sketching and building objects from scratch.

Francois has been passionate about aircraft as long as he can remember. His dream was to combine art and aviation; and live out his passion by refurbishing aircraft.

TRAINING PILOTS

Today Executive Aircraft Refurbishment consists of 38 staff members working in various departments.

He enjoys everything from designing and Francois has a loyal customer base of local TO BECOME development of aircraft interiors to doing and international clients. His motto has always CAPTAINS FOR the actual physical work.

This includes foam THEbeen to stay humble, work hard, pray hard and building, stitching the seats, manufacturing LAST 25 YEARS! love hard. and installation of floor carpets, refurbishing headliners and side panels, refurbishing Francois Denton interior wood work and cabinets, repairs C: +27 82 547 8379 and spray painting of interior and exterior T: 010 900 4149 FROM PPL TOsafety ATPL francois@earefurbishment.com components, re-web and re-certify belts ONEsurvival ON ONE TRAINING Website: www.earefurbishment.com j as well as servicing all equipment.

DEDICATED GROUND SCHOOLS STATE OF THE ART SIMULATOR

012 543 3050 marketing@bluechip-avia.co.za www.bluechipflightschool.co.za @bluechipflightschool.co.za

BLUECHIP CEO - HENK KRAAIJ

In 2003 Henk obtained his Micro light Pilot’s License at the age of 17.

He completed his micro light instructor’s license in 2006 and enrolled with Tukkies to obtain his degree in Financial Management.

The same year, he enrolled at Blue Chip Flight School to obtain his Private Pilot License, which he completed in 3 months.

After completing his degree, he joined FlyJetstream Aviation, a charter company based at Wonderboom Airport. He managed the fleet of aircraft, scheduled aircraft services, towing aircraft, loading cargo and dispatch aircraft on time. He was responsible for legislative compliance, safety, quality management and attended various relative courses; Henk acquired shares and became a director of the company.

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WATO CAA 0056 PART 61 (A)ur d i t lit !

When the opportunity presented itself to secure shares in Blue Chip Flight School, he grasped at the opportunity and became a director and shareholder.

“My passion is to grow the school to be one of the most sought after aviation training schools, where safety will never be compromised. I am a team player and work closely with the Exco team to ensure that every team member focus on their particular area. We believe in commitment towards our clients, professionalism and ethical standards in everything we do, and a deep intellectual honesty to tell it like it is in direct straight forward language and to deliver what we promise.” - “I believe in an open door policy and you may contact me at:” 082 828 1406, henk@flyjetstream.co.za j

Cirrus Aircraft: CSA Aviation Pty Ltd CIRRUS AIRCRAFT is the recognized global leader in personal aviation, the SR 22 has been the number 1 selling single piston in the world for the last 20 years, and the SF50 Vision Jet is the first ever Owner / pilot single jet engine aircraft produced. Cirrus Aircraft recently appointed a new global CEO Zean Nielson, the former CEO of Tesla motor vehicles.

Locally in Southern Africa, Tony Forbes and his company CSA Aviation Pty Ltd, have been appointed the new agents for Cirrus Aircraft, taking over all aspects of the Cirrus Aircraft Brand. Including the sales agency, a newly appointed ATO and maintenance facility. In the 9 months since taking over the agency, CSA has been authorized by Cirrus Aircraft as a Certified training center and service facility with all the relevant personal being approved directly by the Cirrus factory.

Tony Forbes has been involved with Cirrus aircraft for the last 5 years, having previously invested in the brand. His passion for aviation is long lived having first completed his PPL in Zimbabwe as a youngster. After a career in electrical engineering, Tony found his way back into aviation, owning and flying various aircraft over the last few years, including Cessna 206, Conquest 441 and his most recent project a 1950’s Stinson taildragger. Undoubtedly as a general aviation enthusiast Tony was led to Cirrus, and now a confessed Cirrus convert, Tony’s passion for general aviation, business and

innovation has led him to take the helm of this brand. Having completed his grade II instructors’ course through Cirrus and active in Cirrus Instruction Tony is a hands-on CEO, getting involved with basic ab initio PPL training, advanced training, ferry flying and Vision jet mentor flying. Tony will be seen around the flight school daily, always available for a coffee and a conversation around his next Cirrus Life adventure.

“Cirrus aircraft offer an unrivalled product in the personal aviation sector; I am excited to now have the opportunity to uplift the brand locally and create the environment for Cirrus to really flourish in the regional African market.” j

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COMPANIES

Titan Helicopter Group CEO MARTIN MICHEAL STEYNBERG Martin Steynberg has been the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Titan Helicopters since 2000, which grew to become the Titan Helicopter Group with a worldwide footprint 20 years later and consists of more than 24 companies in various Countries Worldwide.

Building a Helicopter company from the ashes of an accident by its predecessor Heyns Helicopters was no easy feat and staying ahead of the game is hard work. It does not come without sacrifices and many sleepless nights.

With Vertical integration as the business model THG has established its place in the helicopter world today After completing his school career Martin joined the SA Airforce in 1980 and Studied Partime at Unisa towards his accounting qualification.

Adding to his profile Martin spent 4 years in France dealing with contracts and International Banks. Later he became a partner in a group of accounting practices in the Southern Cape in South Africa.

Martin’s expertise and specialties include but are not limited to new business development, mergers and acquisitions, and all areas of management and accounting.

His next great achievement was when he became the Managing Director of Heyns Helicopters and eventually put together a group of Companies to become the Chairman and CEO of the Titan Helicopter Group (THG)

Advancing through his financial career with a Master of Commerce degree,and various business ventures, he has meticulously applied solid business practices to increase revenue and overall business performance on all fronts.

His Commitment is the key to success commitment to the industry, his staff and a policy of continuous improvement that ensures growth. Leading from the front is what eventually inspires and motivate upward movement of the Group He leads a cross disciplinary, strategic focused management team that has vast experience in both onshore and offshore helicopter services by providing a fleet of helicopters ranging from Leonardo, Bell and Airbus helicopter types.

His first passion is Aviation , Gholfing with his Son, followed by farming, which occupies most of his spare time. j

Vision without action is a daydream.

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AIRLINK RODGER FOSTER, CEO & MANAGING DIRECTOR, AIRLINK Rodger graduated from WITS University in 1978 with a BSc in Building. After working as a project manager for Metro Cash & Carry in 1981 and 1982 he partnered with Barrie Webb to establish Foster-Webb as a civil engineering and construction company, which branched out into aviation to service its own needs.

Following the deregulation of South Africa’s domestic airline market, in 1992 they grasped the opportunity to enter the sector by purchasing what remained of Link Airways, re-equipping it with state-of-the-art regional commuter aircraft and completely overhauling its business model and systems and re-launching it as “Airlink”.

Nearly three decades on, Rodger remains at the helm and has piloted Airlink through several storms. On his watch Airlink has flourished to become the foremost independent Southern African regional airline with the most comprehensive network of destinations. In 2019 Airlink operated over 63,000 flights and carried more than two million customers across a route network serving over 30 destinations in 10 African countries and St Helena Island.

COVID-19 and the associated restrictions on travel changed the South African and regional landscape. With an agile and robust business, Rodger and his team were able to take advantage of the opportunities that presented and successfully launched

Airlink’s foray into South Africa’s main domestic markets by introducing services on the trunk routes connecting Johannesburg with Cape Town and Durban.

Airlink was the first airline in the region to resume scheduled cross-border services and also launched several new routes, including Johannesburg – Windhoek, Johannesburg – Maputo, Cape Town-Harare, Cape Town – Walvis Bay, Johannesburg-Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg – Lubumbashi.

Airlink was South Africa’s most punctual airline in 2020*. In June 2021, 97.29% of Airlink flights departed on-time, reflecting Rodger’s laser-focus on detail and providing customers with excellent and reliable service. j *measured by the Airports Company South Africa.

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COMPANIES

Star Air Cargo CEO - PETER ANNEAR

CARGO

Peter started his career in aviation after he completed his PPL however had always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In the early 80’s, Lanseria Flight Centre was failing, and Peter was offered the opportunity to run the business with no salary but was offered a 10% commission on all business that he brought through the door.

Peter turned the business around in a short period of time. Peter realized quickly that he much preferred hands-on to the routines of office hours and administration. An opportunity arose for him to move onto the DC-3 which he duly did and flew as a First Officer in Mozambique. He later joined Comair on the DC-3 and F27 types.

The entrepreneurial spirit continued to grow which saw Peter leave Comair to fly as a free-lance pilot. A Cherokee 6 was acquired with operated scenic flights over Victoria Falls followed by an Aztech, and Cessna 402 which operated on the DHL AOC. Peter saw that he required his own AOC and in 2000, purchased an existing one. The new business, Star Air Cargo, had multiple types in the fleet, and it became evident due to costs and operational complexity that a single aircraft fleet would be beneficial.

Star Air Cargo rationalized and moved to a Boeing 737 operation. Work was found for two additional 737s that were placed with Air Tanzania. As the company developed, the B737-200 aircraft were replaced with the more fuel efficient B737300 variant offering greater fuel economy

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and greater capacity to clients. A decision was also made to enter the cargo business.

Two dedicated B737-300 freighters fitted with freight doors joined the fleet and the company expanded its operation.

Today Star Air Cargo operates a fleet of both passenger and cargo aircraft and is in the process of introducing the B737-800 variant. Peter enjoys a hands-on approach to business where all employees are well treated and welcome to pull up a chair and have a chat. Away from work Peter enjoys good red wine, makes a superb margarita, and can be found smoking the occasional cigar. j

Gemair ANDRIES VENTER is a South African Air Force trained engineer with over twelve years of aviation maintenance experience. Gemair was started in 2007 and was driven by his love of aviation. Andries himself holds a South African PPL license. He also owns Out of the Blue Air Safaris a South African AOC. Gemair is a recognised CAA Approved Maintenance Organisation, AMO number 1003, and has a team of nine full time engineers who together have a combined total of over 50 years of aviation experience.

Backed up by the full time administrative staff, Gemair is able to perform all your aviation maintenance requirements.

Through the guidance of Andries, Gemair has built a loyal customer base over the years and is synonymous with quality and reliability.

Contact Andries Venter: Cell: 082 905 5760 Email: Andries@gemair.co.za

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BUMPPPFFF:

The new Chief of the Airforce - at the rear of this squad - can hopefully manage better than he can march.

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