October 2011 GSW News

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin ordered the government last week to draft proposals on how to solve the problem of Russia's poor air safety records, including improving technical conditions for planes and airports, upgrading air traffic control systems and training crew.

NetJets has signed a long-term lease with Van Nuys, Calif.-based fixed-base operation Maguire Aviation to build a dedicated, private terminal at Van Nuys Airport (VNY). The private-use facility will be custom-designed and operated to NetJets’ specifications and owner preferences. The project includes a new terminal with a range of amenities, conference and business center capabilities, crew lounge and rest areas, and flight planning facilities. Construction of the new facility is expected to be completed by next summer.

People in the News

Martin Burdorf took over as head of the marketing department in Continental Tire’s Industrial Tires Business Unit last August. In other personnel news, Ivonne Bierwirth will be responsible for the newly created marketing new media role in the unit. Heike Hansmann also took over as head of the unit’s ContiServiceCenter. She is now responsible for customer support in the German market.

(HAVE PIC) West Star Aviation, Inc. appointed Jeff Messmer Operations Manager at its newest facility at Spirit of St. Louis Airport (SUS) in Chesterfield, MO. In his new position at West Star Aviation, Messmer will be responsible for all maintenance, avionics and customer service and support operations at SUS.

(HAVE PIC) Leighton “Lee” M. Yohannan was named co-CEO of Rampmaster last month. Yohannan is currently director emeritus and founder of LiquidHub, a systems integrator and technology strategy consultancy with revenues of more than $60 million in annual sales. Previously he was owner and CEO of The Reohr Group, Inc., a $55 million global technology consultancy.

Southwest Airlines announced several executive changes at the company effective last month:

Bob Jordan, Southwest's current Executive Vice President Strategy & Planning, has been promoted to Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and he maintains his role as President of AirTran Airways.

Jeff Lamb, Southwest's current Senior Vice President Administration & Chief People Officer, has been promoted to Executive Vice President & Chief People & Administrative Officer.

Ellen Torbert, Southwest's current Vice President of Customer Support & Services, has been promoted to Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion.