Our Team
Ed Wegel, Founder
Ed Wegel is a seasoned airline executive with over 35 years of experience in financing, operations, and distribution. His impressive track record includes raising $1 billion in equity and debt for airline and aircraft ventures, alongside successfully privatizing Trinidad and Tobago's national carrier, broadening its reach across the Caribbean, US, and Europe. Notably, Wegel led FAA certifications for several US carriers, achieving the 2014 certification of Eastern Air Lines' 737-800 fleet within a record-breaking eight months. Wegel has played a pivotal role in introducing new aircraft models to the US market throughout his career. Noteworthy milestones include the introduction of the BAe J41 in 1992, the Embraer E-145 in 1998, and the Airbus A321 freighter in 2022. Currently, he is spearheading the launch of the Embraer 190 freighter, slated for delivery and entry into service in 2025. The Lilium Jet marks his fifth aircraft type launch, establishing a track record of being the first to operate new aircraft models for manufacturers.
Raymond “Ray” Sisson, President
A 35-year veteran of the airline and aircraft leasing sectors, Sisson has held several high-profile positions. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President at GE Commercial Aircraft Services (GECAS); Chief Commercial Officer of SR Technics, one of the world’s leading aircraft MROs; and CEO of AWAS, an aircraft lessor which he grew from $5 billion to $12.5 billion in aircraft assets and a fleet of over 300 aircraft. Additionally, he was Managing Director at Credit Suisse, where he established their aircraft leasing subsidiary. Currently, Sisson is the CEO of Tailwinds Aviation, which has raised $500 million and is in the process of raising an additional $2 billion in equity for commercial aircraft acquisitions. Sisson holds a degree from Bucknell University, an MBA from the University of Chicago and a JD from Georgetown Law School.
Nico Buchholz, Board Member
Nico Buchholz has been involved in the airline and aviation industries for over 35 years. He most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer for Deutsche Aircraft, which is developing and building aircraft to be operated fully on Sustainable Aviation Fuel. He previously served as SVP-Strategic Initiatives and Chief Procurement Officer for Bombardier, and successfully launched the C-Series aircraft. He was instrumental in the sale of the C-series program to Airbus, where it was renamed the Airbus A220. Prior to Bombardier, Nico had a long career at Lufthansa Airlines Group where he served as Executive Vice President- Global Aircraft Programs responsible for all of Lufthansa' s fleet planning and acquisition programs. Nico has also held senior executive positions within Rolls Royce Civil Engines as well as Airbus. He is a graduate of the Berlin Technical University with advanced degrees from Cranfield University