PhilJets has appointed former Airbus executive Robert Reguero as CEO. He will manage both PhilJets Aero Charter and PhilJets Aero Services in the midst of its expansion in 2019. Established in 2013, PhilJets has grown its portfolio to 15 aircraft currently under management, including a newly-added Gulfstream G200, Citation Latitude and Citation CJ4 and imminently-arriving R44, Bell 505 and Bell 429 models. It has also recently opened an MRO facility as authorised service centre for Textron Aviation.

PhilJets Group, which counts Singapore-based Venture Capital Negocia Group as well as investment holding Starline Global Industries among its shareholders, aims to consolidate, structure and prepare for the next phase of its growth cycle. Reguero, armed with over 20 years experience in the aviation industry, has taken the mission to transform the Asian growing startup into an international company.

Part of the industry since 1998, Reguero started off his commercial career with ATR and Safran in France before joining Airbus Helicopters in the USA and in France, followed by aircraft trading at Blueberry Aviation (formerly Avinco SAM) in Monaco. He then joined the senior management of Era Helicopter under the Seacor Group Aviation division, overseeing the performances of portfolio investments of the company and its joint venture internationally. Prior to joining PhilJets, he has also been involved with Miami Jets in the Caribbean. From aircrafts or engine manufacturers to large oil and gas operators, from fixed wings to rotary wings and a solid network worldwide, his expertise will be beneficial to PhilJets for rolling out its expansion plans in the Philippines and the ASEAN region.

Former CEO Willyn Villarica, who has led the first transformation phase of PhilJets, expressed her support to successor Reguero. “I have been delighted to immerse myself into the aviation world, while implementing the first changes necessary to transition into a more professionally managed startup. After more than a year, I am ecstatic that we are onboarding Robert. His in-depth industry knowledge as well as his exposure to various management roles will bring our company to greater heights with the backing of our board.”

Thierry Tea, PhilJets chairman of the board, also extended his regards: “We have learned a lot thanks to Willyn, who has enabled the start of the changes. The company is now ready to enter into a new era with tremendous opportunities ahead of us. We are building a stronger MRO and distribution business unit with additional capabilities as well as a stronger air transport and air asset management business lines. We are warmly welcoming Robert to lead the development of PhilJets for the years to come."

PhilJets is planning to increase its fleet portfolio to 10 jets and 20 helicopters by 2022 in the Philippines. The company is also structuring the expansion of its MRO business unit's capabilities build up in order to meet the growing requirements in the ASEAN region.

“I am honoured to have been appointed as new CEO of PhilJets Group,” states Reguero. “I take the opportunity to thank the board of directors and my predecessor Willyn Villarica for providing the necessary conditions and the opportunity to work with such skilled and dedicated teams. I look forward to serving PhilJets clients across our key activities, developing new ventures with our business partners and working with our suppliers in improving aviation services and standards in Asia."