Aviation entrepreneur Suran Wijayawardana has joined Los Angeles, California-based Gulfstream operator FlyHouse as chief aviation officer.

With a career spanning over 25 years, Wijayawardana first assumed the helm of a Part 141 flight training centre in central Florida, specialising in ab initio training. He then moved into business aviation, where he founded and spearheaded the growth of ACP Jets through to its merger in 2016, giving rise to Alerion Aviation, a Part 135 company boasting a presence in California, New York and Florida.

“Suran's industry leadership is unmatched. His contributions to aviation safety and excellence are invaluable, and we are honoured to have him lead our aviation-related verticals," says CEO Jack E Lambert Jr.

Wijayawardana's influence extends beyond the boardroom as he has been a prominent voice in the aviation community. He has served as the chairman of the National Air Transportation Association charter committee and was an industry representative in two major FAA chartered rule-making committees. Additionally, he has held advisory board positions for ARG/US and multiple aviation software companies.

As chief aviation officer, he will play a pivotal role in implementing the operational structures required to support ambitious scaling and growth initiatives. He says: "I am deeply honoured to become a part of FlyHouse as we embark on this journey to redefine aircraft charter and management. Being welcomed into an industry-leading team, backed by the steadfast support of a visionary board, was an opportunity I couldn't resist, particularly due to the remarkable alignment of our shared goals.

“Jack and I have shared parallel paths in building our own successful ventures over the past two decades. It is truly exhilarating to join forces with him in charting FlyHouse's course toward reshaping the aircraft management landscape and propelling its already impressive growth trajectory."