US regional platform Surf Air Mobility has appointed two new key positions to its air mobility team. Bob Waltz has joined Surf Air Mobility as the vice president of flight operations, and Linda MacAskill has joined as the director of system operations centre.

Both Waltz and MacAskill will be located at Surf Air Mobility's new air operations centre (AOC) in Addison, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, where the company is actively hiring, including positions in maintenance, safety and regulatory compliance, finance and accounting, and operations.

“As we execute on the second phase of our transformation plan, optimisation, Bob and Linda's impressive track records and decades of aviation experience will be instrumental in achieving profitability in our air operations this year,” says Deanna White, CEO and COO of Surf Air Mobility. “I'm confident in their experience helping to run safe, reliable and profitable air operations.”

Waltz joins Surf Air Mobility most recently from his role as senior director of flight operations at Sun Country Airlines, where as 119 director of operations he managed complex passenger, charter and ACMI cargo operations. Prior to that, his distinguished career at Southwest Airlines included roles as vice president of flight operations and 119 chief pilot, where he led flight safety initiatives, regulatory compliance and pilot training programmes. As network director, he orchestrated Southwest's massive daily operation of over 4,000 flights and around 400,000 passengers, demonstrating his ability to manage large-scale aviation operations efficiently, all while serving as a B-737 captain and check pilot.

At Surf Air Mobility, he will bring his extensive operational expertise to enhance flight operations across the company's network. His focus will include operational standardisation, performance improvement and the continued elevation of the company's safety culture. Captain Waltz's background in managing large-scale operations will be instrumental as Surf Air Mobility continues to optimise its regional air service offerings.

MacAskill joins Surf Air Mobility most recently from her role as operations manager at TransMedics Aviation. Prior to that, she was the director of mission control for JetSuite, where she directed the operations of JetSuite's private charter aircraft services.

MacAskill was the maintenance project manager for Bombardier where she helped coordinate aircraft maintenance procedures and communications. Prior to that, she was site manager, interiors for JetSet Aviation Interiors, and manager, scheduling and records for CAE.

She spent the first 19 years of her career with Bombardier Flexjet as director, flight operations centre where she supported operations for FAR Part 91, 91K, and 135 unscheduled and on-demand air carriers with a fleet of 85-100 business jets, directed schedules and logistics for over 300 crew members and led a cross-functional team of dispatch, scheduling, maintenance and customer support.

At Surf Air Mobility, MacAskill will leverage her extensive operational background to enhance the company's operations. Her expertise in operational efficiency and coordination will support the its commitment to reliable service and positive customer experiences. Her wealth of experience in managing complex aviation operations will contribute significantly to the company's transformation plan.