US aircraft management, joint ownership and jet card membership service provider Jet Linx has appointed R David (RD) Johnson as director of safety. Effective immediately, Johnson is responsible for leading the continued enhancement of the company's safety programmes to ensure that every measure is taken to exceed government regulations.

"It is a privilege to welcome RD to the Jet Linx family as we continue to grow our nationwide presence and our steadfast commitment to the safety of our operations and industry," says president and CEO Jamie Walker. "Since the inception of Jet Linx, we have been dedicated to delivering the highest safety standards in the private aviation industry. RD's extensive experience will play a pivotal role in ensuring we continue to advance our safety practices and standards of excellence."

Johnson joins Jet Linx from Global Flight Test and Delivery Group, where he was responsible for delivering customised SMS business solutions for commercial, business and private operators as the director of safety management systems. His leadership experience spans flight operations, technical ops, employee development, process improvement and safety management across the military, commercial and general aviation sectors. As a graduate of the USAF, he retired after 31 years as a command pilot, during which time he flew in the F-4, F-5, F-16, T-38 and served as an instructor in three airframes. His experience also includes over 14 years with American Airlines in management positions and as a check airman, as well as eight years with the University of Southern California, where he continues to serve as an instructor at its Aviation Safety and Security School.

"Having worked with numerous aviation companies over the last four decades, Jet Linx stands out as an operator whose first and foremost priority is safety," says Johnson. "I am thrilled to join Jet Linx and lead the efforts to make the skies a safer place for our clients, pilots and crew members."