Montana-based aircraft sales, charter operations, aircraft management and pilot training company Summit Aviation has appointed Shane Ellis as its executive VP of aircraft sales. Ellis joined the Summit team in May 2022.

An Oklahoma native, Ellis is third generation in the aviation industry, in addition to having over 20 years of experience in aircraft operations and sales. As executive VP of aircraft sales, he oversees and supports his team in both aircraft sales and acquisition processes from start to finish. The sales team works with every customer to provide the resources and information needed to guarantee they can accomplish their aviation endeavours with ease while focusing on good business practices and mitigating risk.

“We are thrilled that Shane has joined the Summit Aviation team,” says owner and president Ben Walton. “In his short time with us, his knowledge and experience in the industry have already proven an invaluable asset. As aviation is an ever-changing industry and our fleet continues to grow, I am confident that Shane will be a vital part of our continued successes due in large part to his alignment with the Summit core values.”

Previously Ellis was involved in leading both domestic and international aviation organisations, including as VP of sales for Hawker Beechcraft, and has spent time with Piaggio Aero. He has completed over 300 aircraft transactions worth nearly one billion dollars and has led startups and turnarounds for aircraft dealers and a large aviation jet fuel provider.

“The past few months at Summit have been incredible,” says Ellis. “Summit has an amazing group of professionals that are leading the industry in world-wide aircraft sales, management and charter; to be a team member of this exciting and dynamic company as we continue to expand is an amazing opportunity. Without a doubt, Summit prioritises customer success in both sales and acquisitions, while also focusing on ethical and safe practices.”

Ellis is the sponsor of Aviation post 67 based out of Hicks Airfield in Fort Worth, Texas. He has a BS in political science from Georgia Southern University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Tyler, and is an instrument rated pilot who owns and operates his own aircraft.