US-based eVTOL company Overair has appointed Dr Valerie Manning as its chief commercial officer, transitioning from her current role as senior vice president of training and flight operation services at Airbus. Dr Manning's diverse, global experience in aerospace and commercial aviation will help guide the organisation's commercial and operational launch as it prepares to fly its all-electric prototype in the second half of 2023.

Dr Manning will lead Overair's commercial strategy, business development, marketing, sales, support and in-service operations infrastructure as the company finalises its full scale prototype vehicle and prepares for commercial launch. She will take charge of Overair's business model to create customer and company value and to enable business growth through Overair's products and services.

“I am immensely proud that Valerie is joining us. Having known her for years, I have a deep appreciation for her capabilities and character, and I know that her addition will be a game changer for us, accelerating our path toward commercialisation,” says CEO Ben Tigner. “Valerie's unique combination of corporate, military and aviation experience, on top of her world-class technical capabilities, will help us convert Overair's technology and product advantages into real-world value for communities and Overair stakeholders. As an accomplished pilot, Valerie also understands the benefits eVTOL will bring to urban areas, and she will be key to unlocking our success.”

Prior to joining Overair, Dr Manning served as a senior executive at Airbus based in Toulouse, France where she has led worldwide training and flight operations services, customer support and aircraft modification services. Throughout her Airbus career, she has worked with the company's customers, partners and suppliers worldwide on a wide range of commercial and operational topics related to their aircraft and associated services. A retired United States Air Force officer, Dr Manning holds a doctoral degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Stanford University. She is also an EASA flight instructor and jet-rated commercial pilot.

“I'm so excited to join the Overair team and to address the challenge of building the company and bringing its business ambitions to fruition,” she says. “I chose Overair due to its state-of-the-art technology, innovative and inclusive spirit, and deep commitment to advancing sustainable aviation through eVTOL. I'm motivated by the idea of bringing my experience to a new industry sector, so when this fantastic opportunity presented itself, I accepted with pleasure.”

The transition will take place on 1 September this year.