Semi-private jet company Aero Technologies has hired Zain Richardson as chief marketing and customer officer and Ken Zedan as COO. The new recruits arrive as Aero launches its new routes from Los Angeles to Napa Valley, Sun Valley and Jackson Hole, signalling a period of significant expansion of the company's route network to coveted destinations.

Aero Technologies operates scheduled flights to luxury destinations using 16-seat business class ERJ135s. All flights in the US are carried out by Aero's wholly owned subsidiary USAC Airways 695, while all flights in the EU are currently performed by Aero Guernsey, a licensed and registered air carrier.

Aero Technologies curates each and every aspect of the travel experience, from jets to the concierge. In addition to the brand's rapid US and European expansion following its $20 million Series A, the company's new executive appointments are designed to propel Aero into a leading position.

Richardson, most recently the chief marketing officer for hospitality group Aman, joins Aero with deep expertise in brand building, strategic marketing and customer experience development for celebrated luxury and lifestyle travel brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, W Hotels, St. Regis and Edition Hotels. Known for his global mindset and experience leading commercial and marketing functions in the luxury sector, Richardson brings his background to Aero to continue to reimagine the first-class air travel experience. As chief marketing and customer officer, Richardson will also oversee guest experience and design.

“We anticipate a new demand for travel coming from leisure travellers," says Aero CEO Uma Subramanian. "We are recruiting the best talent in the world to build an even-better experience for our guests and to continue to scale our business, which is perfectly positioned for the new realities of travel. I am delighted to welcome Zain Richardson to our executive team and look forward to accelerating Aero's growth under his wing."

Ken Zedan joins as COO and will captain the company's global flight operations, maintenance and ground operations, as well as safety and compliance to ensure unmatched global experiences for guests and Aero's team members. Prior to Aero, Zedan was most recently the chief pilot for Alaska Airlines, which, under his leadership, was recognised as one of the safest airlines in the world. Prior to his role at Alaska Airlines, he served as director of flight standards and quality assurance for Virgin America, rounding out more than 25 years in aviation operations and safety.

“Our business model was not launched as a product of the pandemic, but lends itself well to the new realities of travel," reports Subramanian. "Zedan will oversee consumer and operational safety, ensuring our personalised, first-class experience and new approach to premium air travel is best-in-class for comfort, safety and service."

Aero offers in-demand routes and bespoke service between its US hub at Van Nuys in Los Angeles and its curated destination map of Aspen, Napa, Sun Valley and Jackson Hole. Soon to depart from its London hub at Farnborough airport, Aero will unveil European routes, including Mykonos, Ibiza and Nice, connecting travellers to Europe's most iconic summer destinations. Similar to years past and following the trend of multiple destination vacations, Aero will also continue to offer direct connectivity between Mykonos, Ibiza and Nice.