Kinston, North Carolina-based charter operator flyExclusive is advancing its commitment to safety by appointing ATP-rated pilot and retired federal safety and training expert Merton Cox as its new director of safety. In his role, Cox will be responsible for the oversight of flyExclusive's safety management system (SMS), including management of safety policy, risk management, safety assurance and safety promotion. In addition to this appointment, flyExclusive also announced that it has renewed its Wyvern Wingman safety certification.

Cox will oversee all aspects of organisational safety, both aviation and ground. His additional responsibilities include compliance with OSHA regulations; managing internal safety audit processes and facilitating external safety audits; oversight of flyExclusive's Aviation Safety Action Program and routinely coordinating with the FAA to ensure operational safety.

Prior to joining the company, Cox was a member of the Federal Senior Executive Service and served as the executive director of safety, training and standards for US Customs and Border Protection's Air and Marine Operations. In 2013, he was promoted to executive director of operations, where he oversaw foreign and domestic homeland security operations, including drug interdiction and aviation counterterrorism operations, utilising a fleet of more than 270 aircraft and 300 vessels to provide more than 100,000 annual flight hours and 90,000 annual float hours.

“We recognise that the safety of our clients and our crews must always be our top priority,” says president Tommy Sowers. “We continue to exceed FAA standards by operating a Wyvern Wingman and ARG/US Platinum-rated fleet. Adding Merton to our team, with his extensive safety and training experience, reinforces our commitment to providing safe, reliable private jet experiences for those we serve.”