Priester Aviation, which recently joined forces with Mayo Aviation in order to enhance its customer service, has named recognised industry safety advocate Carl Bennett as vice president of quality and safety.

Since 2018, Bennett has served as director of safety for Colorado-based Mayo Aviation, which joined with Priester Aviation last year. His new role extends to both companies.

“Carl demonstrates exceptional leadership and a professional, safety-driven culture,” says Priester Aviation chairman and CEO Andy Priester. “We are pleased to have him guiding the Priester Aviation and Mayo Aviation team and continuing our leading role among the top one percent of aviation companies that have earned all of the highest safety accreditations.”

Bennett is an accomplished aviation safety and regulatory expert with more than 35 years of experience in Part 135 on-demand passenger and cargo operations.

In 2021, Bennett was among a select group to receive the Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award, bestowed annually by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) to those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in support of aviation safety.

“I am honoured to take on this expanded role for Priester Aviation and Mayo Aviation and to foster an ongoing, industry-leading commitment to safety, quality and professionalism,” Bennett states. “Our companies share an earnest desire to continually improve, to serve our customers and our fellow teammates, and to remain in full compliance of all safety regulations and audit programs.”

Bennett also recognised his predecessor, Kurt Humm, who is retiring after more than 15 years with Priester Aviation. Humm was instrumental in achieving the highest IS-BAO Stage III safety accreditation for Priester's operations, in addition to ARGUS Platinum, Wyvern and Air Charter Safety Foundation safety certifications.

“Kurt led by example in building a safety-driven operational culture, and it's my job to continue that leadership and direction for both Priester Aviation and Mayo Aviation,” he notes.

Bennett was also a founding board member of the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA), a contributor to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 Aviation Rulemaking Committee and is a past chairman of the Radiopharmaceutical Shippers and Carriers Committee (RSCC).