With a growing base of US accounts and clientele, Priester Aviation has promoted a sales specialist to lead its charter aircraft division; Victor Schaefer is now national director of charter sales.

Schaefer, who previously served in a similar position for Colorado-based sister company Mayo Aviation, will now lead charter sales for all of the Priester Aviation family of companies, including Priester, Mayo and Atlanta-based Hill Private Aviation.

“Victor brings an energy to the position that helps build long-term relationships and fosters a success-driven team,” says president Rich Ropp. “With his sales and charter experience, he focuses on creating an environment that empowers his team and serves to provide the best outcomes for charter customers and aircraft owners alike.”

Schaefer graduated from Lewis University in Illinois with a degree in aviation administration. He jumped into charter brokering and has sold jet memberships, built sales teams and helped develop start up sales operations. Fulfilling a lifelong passion for aviation, he has earned a private pilot licence with instrument rating, while working on a commercial licence.

In his decade in private aviation, Schaefer has frequently handled accounts of VIP and HNW clients, handling detailed logistics and managing their experiences. He joined Mayo Aviation shortly after Priester's 2021 acquisition. There he grew Mayo's charter volume and promoted its mountain-terrain charter experience, setting it apart in the region.

“Priester and Mayo's family leadership and dedication to its customers drew me in,” Schaefer says. “I'm looking forward to growing this team and taking advantage of the national footprint we have in the Midwest, West and South. We have an enviable range of aircraft that we can provide for clients to fulfill their missions.”

Schaefer will work closely with Ropp and the aircraft management team, to bring more managed aircraft customers into charter service, helping reduce their operating expenses. Since moving to Priester's national position, Schaefer has already helped secure a multi-aircraft charter agreement with a major Chicagoland business.