Rene Cervantes, Senior Executive VP of Operations

Hello, I’m Rene Cervantes, Senior Executive VP of Operations for Solairus Aviation. I have been with Solairus since its inception in 2009 and am proud to be a part of the team that has helped us evolve into the company we are today.

Growing up I was always interested in mechanics and how things work so at age 19 I joined the Navy where I had the opportunity to learned to work on jet engines. The camaraderie and hard work were an experience I will never forget.

The Navy afforded me the opportunity to spend time on various aircraft carriers. Watching aircraft take off and land in a space only slightly larger in size than 3 football fields was exhilarating. Taking part in making those aircraft function safely gave me a great sense of satisfaction.   I spent time attached to VAQ 135, assigned to the USS Lincoln CVN 72, which deployed in the Persian Gulf in 1995 in support of operation Southern Watch. I also spent time on the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 and participated in RIM-PAC exercised in 1996.

After 6+ years in the Navy I spent a number of years working on Part 135 (charter) aircraft. I was employed as an MX Tech by a small start-up Part 135 operator where I was exposed to various private aircraft types (Gulfstreams, Falcons, Hawkers and Lears). I gained valuable experience working on private corporate jets and, after being promoted to Part 135 Director of Maintenance, found I gravitated and excelled in the “business end” of maintenance operations. I worked diligently to exceed FAA requirements, operational commitments, and owner expectations. We became an Argus Platinum Rated operator in our third year of business.

In 2009 I joined Solairus Aviation. Our safety accreditations rank in the 99^th percentile of worldwide charter options. We continually meet and exceed industry safety standards.

The experience and skills I’ve picked up since first reporting for duty in the Navy at NAS Whidbey Island have paved the way for me to become the VP of Maintenance for the premier management company in the business. I am very fortunate in that my work enables me to do what I love each day: make aircraft function as safely and efficiently as possible.