AVIAÂ appoints Matt Smith as Vice President of Business Development

Helping business jet operators and aircraft owners save a significant amount of money on their mainstay purchases through group purchasing has convinced business aviation professional Matt Smith to commit to a new role – as Vice President of Business Development. 

Used to a high-pressure environment, having working globally in a senior sales role with Air Charter Service Plc, Matt takes responsibility for AVIAÂ’s growing membership, based out of Irvine, California, USA. 

Taking responsibility for a small team bringing new members into the business, Matthew monitors trends, new markets, and new disruptors to help identify suppliers, working closely with Director of Supply Chain Services, Miles Bailey.  AVIAÂ’ members pay a membership fee per aircraft or across an entire fleet in exchange for guaranteed savings and access to an elite community of operators, vendors, and other key partners. 

“The diversity of skillset, the sound knowledge accrued at ACS and DC Aviation from industry regulations through to airport and airfield restrictions, plus an excellent network of contacts makes Matt an ideal fit for this role,” commented AVIAÂ co-founder James Hall.

Matt’s business aviation experience includes three years at DC Aviation Al Futtaim in Dubai.  There he was responsible for several managed aircraft, including an Airbus ACJ319 and Global Express XRS, in addition to arranging charters on third party aircraft. While in Dubai he got to know international hospitality and nightlife leader Hakkasan Group.  Matt helped the group, headquartered out of Las Vegas, significantly reduce its costs chartering private aircraft, as well as other key spends.