Aviation Personnel International has appointed Ben Janaitis as client services manager. His new role marks a historic moment for API as he becomes the first-ever licensed aircraft maintenance professional to join the recruitment team. His degree and work experience in social work, coupled with business aviation expertise as a licensed airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic, position him as a valued addition to API for clients and candidates alike.

Sheryl Barden, president and CEO, says: "Ben brings a unique blend of technical expertise and a deep understanding of people to his role as client services manager. His ability to connect with individuals on a personal level enhances our commitment to match highly qualified candidates with the specific needs of our HNW and corporate flight department clients."

Janaitis, also a private pilot, will collaborate closely with API's clients throughout the entire hiring process. As with all recruitment projects at API, his approach will begin with an onsite assessment of a flight department, to ensure a deep understanding of the client's hiring needs. Throughout the process, Janaitis will work in partnership with the hiring team to identify, select and present the most suitable candidates for each position.

Prior to joining API, Janaitis accumulated valuable experience during his four year tenure at Johnson & Johnson, where he served as an aircraft technician for the company's Gulfstream G650s and G550s. Previously, his seven year stint at Dupont Specialty Products further showcased his expertise as both a flight technician and mechanic for the Fortune 250 firm's Gulfstream G550 and Bombardier Challenger 300. As a flight technician, he served as a crew member on both domestic and complex international operations.

Janaitis' passion for aviation dates back to his childhood, when he learned to fly and maintain aircraft under the guidance of his father, a tenured maintenance manager for a Fortune 200 corporate flight department. He earned his A&P license from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maine with a BA in social work.

Combining his proficiency in social work and aviation, Janaitis will adopt a 'people-first' approach when working with API's candidates and clients. He notes: "At API, we create magic by considering the whole person - someone with a life and individual experiences that shape their ambitions and aspirations, information gleaned from far beyond what we can read in a resume."

Janaitis is a former member of the NBAA Flight Attendant/Flight Technician Committee and hopes, in the future, to serve on the NBAA's Maintenance Committee. He holds numerous certificates, licenses and endorsements, including FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic, FAA Inspection Authorisation, Satcom Direct Aero IT and NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician.