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Management Experts

YOUR AIRCRAFT MANAGEMENT TEAM

The team at Journey Aviation is comprised of seasoned management experts who have decades of collective experience in the industry. They share an in-depth understanding of the evolving private aviation industry, a passion for flying and are committed to exceeding customers’ expectations – with emphasis on safety, luxury and service.

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Fabian Bello

Chief Executive Officer

Fabian Bello is the CEO and founding visionary behind Journey Aviation. Since co-founding the company in 2014, he has led its evolution from a startup into a globally respected Part 135 operator headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. Under Fabian’s strategic leadership, Journey Aviation has generated over $650 million USD in revenue and built a reputation as a premier provider of large-cabin, long-range private aviation services.

Prior to entering the aviation industry, Fabian held leadership roles at a global logistics firm with annual revenues exceeding $3 billion USD. His career has been defined by an ability to bring diverse teams together—from Latin America and Europe to Asia and the Middle East—creating alignment, fostering innovation, and driving results. His leadership style blends cultural fluency with sharp execution, empowering teams while delivering consistently high performance.

Born in Havana, Cuba and raised in Miami, Florida, Fabian is a passionate entrepreneur with a deep appreciation for resilience, relationships, and strategic as well as organic growth, earned by reputation. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Miami and is a graduate of the prestigious Executive MBA program at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.

His people-first philosophy and global perspective continue to shape the company’s culture and long-term vision.

Fabian Bello

Chief Executive Officer

Fabian Bello

Chief Executive Officer

Fabian Bello is the CEO and founding visionary behind Journey Aviation. Since co-founding the company in 2014, he has led its evolution from a startup into a globally respected Part 135 operator headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. Under Fabian’s strategic leadership, Journey Aviation has generated over $650 million USD in revenue and built a reputation as a premier provider of large-cabin, long-range private aviation services.

Prior to entering the aviation industry, Fabian held leadership roles at a global logistics firm with annual revenues exceeding $3 billion USD. His career has been defined by an ability to bring diverse teams together—from Latin America and Europe to Asia and the Middle East—creating alignment, fostering innovation, and driving results. His leadership style blends cultural fluency with sharp execution, empowering teams while delivering consistently high performance.

Born in Havana, Cuba and raised in Miami, Florida, Fabian is a passionate entrepreneur with a deep appreciation for resilience, relationships, and strategic as well as organic growth, earned by reputation. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Miami and is a graduate of the prestigious Executive MBA program at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School.

His people-first philosophy and global perspective continue to shape the company’s culture and long-term vision.

Michael McCauley

President

Michael McCauley is the President and co-founder of Journey Aviation. With over 30 years in aviation and more than 14,000 flight hours under his belt, Michael brings deep operational knowledge and unmatched technical expertise to the company. He holds multiple airline transport pilot ratings—including jets, helicopters, and seaplanes—is a certified Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic, and has served as an FAA Check Airman representative.

Michael’s entrepreneurial drive has guided him in launching and scaling successful aviation businesses built to thrive through all market conditions. From building a Part 145 Repair Station to enhance maintenance efficiency, to transitioning from mid-size to international large-cabin aircraft to meet global demand, his strategic decisions have led to more than $1 billion USD in combined revenues across his ventures.

In addition to Journey Aviation, Michael remains an active partner in Blackbird Aero (aircraft sales and acquisitions). He serves on the Gulfstream Customer Advisory Board, was part of the Gulfstream G650 Development Customer Advisory Team, and is a current member of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Industry Advisory Board. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management and Business Administration from Lynn University, graduating magna cum laude.

Michael McCauley

President

Michael McCauley

President

Michael McCauley is the President and co-founder of Journey Aviation. With over 30 years in aviation and more than 14,000 flight hours under his belt, Michael brings deep operational knowledge and unmatched technical expertise to the company. He holds multiple airline transport pilot ratings—including jets, helicopters, and seaplanes—is a certified Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic, and has served as an FAA Check Airman representative.

Michael’s entrepreneurial drive has guided him in launching and scaling successful aviation businesses built to thrive through all market conditions. From building a Part 145 Repair Station to enhance maintenance efficiency, to transitioning from mid-size to international large-cabin aircraft to meet global demand, his strategic decisions have led to more than $1 billion USD in combined revenues across his ventures.

In addition to Journey Aviation, Michael remains an active partner in Blackbird Aero (aircraft sales and acquisitions). He serves on the Gulfstream Customer Advisory Board, was part of the Gulfstream G650 Development Customer Advisory Team, and is a current member of the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Industry Advisory Board. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management and Business Administration from Lynn University, graduating magna cum laude.

Together, Fabian and Michael form a leadership team that pairs visionary strategy with hands-on industry expertise. Their complementary strengths and shared commitment to excellence continue to define Journey Aviation’s growth, culture, and reputation for delivering aviation solutions.

Nicholas Reinardy

Director of Operations

With over two decades of aviation expertise, Nick Reinardy brings a deep well of operational insight and leadership to his role as Director of Operations at Journey Aviation. Since 1999, Nick has flown Part 135 on-demand charter in nearly every cockpit role imaginable—from First Officer to Captain, Check Airman, Chief Pilot, and now Director of Operations.

With more than 9,000 hours of flight time and international aviation experience, Nick is a cornerstone of Journey’s commitment to operational excellence and safety. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company’s rigorous flight training programs, elevating cockpit standards, and ensuring compliance with the highest regulatory benchmarks.

In his current role, Nick oversees all aspects of Global Flight Operations, including quality control, crew oversight, and client aircraft management. He is responsible for developing and implementing Journey’s operational procedures and policies, maintaining a proactive safety culture across the board. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science, Nick also brings instructional expertise as a former FlightSafety International Simulator Instructor.

Nicholas Reinardy

Director of Operations

Nicholas Reinardy

Director of Operations

With over two decades of aviation expertise, Nick Reinardy brings a deep well of operational insight and leadership to his role as Director of Operations at Journey Aviation. Since 1999, Nick has flown Part 135 on-demand charter in nearly every cockpit role imaginable—from First Officer to Captain, Check Airman, Chief Pilot, and now Director of Operations.

With more than 9,000 hours of flight time and international aviation experience, Nick is a cornerstone of Journey’s commitment to operational excellence and safety. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the company’s rigorous flight training programs, elevating cockpit standards, and ensuring compliance with the highest regulatory benchmarks.

In his current role, Nick oversees all aspects of Global Flight Operations, including quality control, crew oversight, and client aircraft management. He is responsible for developing and implementing Journey’s operational procedures and policies, maintaining a proactive safety culture across the board. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science, Nick also brings instructional expertise as a former FlightSafety International Simulator Instructor.

Tony Ciaravino

Senior Vice President of Client Services

Tony Ciaravino is the Senior Vice President of Client Services at Journey Aviation. In his role, Tony builds and oversees client relationships in conjunction with the charter account management team. With 20 plus years of experience, Tony spearheads the oversight and trip handling of the company’s direct clientele, their ongoing private aviation needs, supplemental trip support and account management from third-party operators.

Tony’s passion for aviation began from his first transatlantic flight on a Boeing 747 at the age of 8 years old. At 14, he attended Florida Air Academy and continued his education in aviation with his Commercial Multi-Engine Pilot’s license. In 1998, Tony commenced his career in corporate aviation working for an Operator/FBO based in Teterboro, NJ where his position grew into working directly with client trips. After being exposed to different roles, Tony was able to gain well-rounded experience and see the connectivity between marketing, sales and operations.

With a big interest in safety of flight, Tony shifted gears to direct of one of the leading industry safety companies working with auditors, charter operators, flight departments, charter brokers and some of the top aviation safety experts. Being able to understand the level of safety clients rely on for each trip and assist in the facilitation of was paramount in his professional growth. Missing client interaction, Tony joined Journey Aviation in 2016 as the VP of Client Services and Marketing and has continued to build and strengthen this department to date.

Tony graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business from Thomas Edison State University.

Tony Ciaravino

Senior Vice President of Client Services

Tony Ciaravino

Senior Vice President of Client Services

Tony Ciaravino is the Senior Vice President of Client Services at Journey Aviation. In his role, Tony builds and oversees client relationships in conjunction with the charter account management team. With 20 plus years of experience, Tony spearheads the oversight and trip handling of the company’s direct clientele, their ongoing private aviation needs, supplemental trip support and account management from third-party operators.

Tony’s passion for aviation began from his first transatlantic flight on a Boeing 747 at the age of 8 years old. At 14, he attended Florida Air Academy and continued his education in aviation with his Commercial Multi-Engine Pilot’s license. In 1998, Tony commenced his career in corporate aviation working for an Operator/FBO based in Teterboro, NJ where his position grew into working directly with client trips. After being exposed to different roles, Tony was able to gain well-rounded experience and see the connectivity between marketing, sales and operations.

With a big interest in safety of flight, Tony shifted gears to direct of one of the leading industry safety companies working with auditors, charter operators, flight departments, charter brokers and some of the top aviation safety experts. Being able to understand the level of safety clients rely on for each trip and assist in the facilitation of was paramount in his professional growth. Missing client interaction, Tony joined Journey Aviation in 2016 as the VP of Client Services and Marketing and has continued to build and strengthen this department to date.

Tony graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business from Thomas Edison State University.

Brett Baumeister

Director of Quality and Client Services

After graduating from the Maritime Academy and operating passenger ships out of Tampa, Brett migrated to Fort Lauderdale and navigated right into private aviation.

Finding a passion for the industry, he spent over a decade acquiring knowledge and experience in all operational areas; with both domestic and international companies. His management expertise ranges from Charter Sales and Team Development, Brokering Aircraft Sales and Acquisitions, Trip Support, Fuel Sales and Client Relations. Realizing the importance of having the competitive edge in this business, Brett is passionate in developing strategies for building, fostering and retaining the client base. His attention to detail and thrive to make a positive difference, while promoting consistent growth and overall quality processes, will ensure our goal to ultimately provide total client satisfaction.

Brett Baumeister

Director of Quality and Client Services

Brett Baumeister

Director of Quality and Client Services

After graduating from the Maritime Academy and operating passenger ships out of Tampa, Brett migrated to Fort Lauderdale and navigated right into private aviation.

Finding a passion for the industry, he spent over a decade acquiring knowledge and experience in all operational areas; with both domestic and international companies. His management expertise ranges from Charter Sales and Team Development, Brokering Aircraft Sales and Acquisitions, Trip Support, Fuel Sales and Client Relations. Realizing the importance of having the competitive edge in this business, Brett is passionate in developing strategies for building, fostering and retaining the client base. His attention to detail and thrive to make a positive difference, while promoting consistent growth and overall quality processes, will ensure our goal to ultimately provide total client satisfaction.

Michael Sands

Chief Pilot

Michael Sands brings a rare combination of financial acumen and aviation experience to his role as Chief Pilot at Journey Aviation. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance from Florida Atlantic University, Michael spent two decades in aviation insurance and financial services—providing him with a unique 360-degree view of the industry.

As a highly experienced aviator with over 11,000 flight hours, Michael has flown and served as a Check Airman on the Gulfstream GIVSP, GV, and G550, in both Part 91 and 135 environments.

Prior to joining Journey, he managed operations for a fleet of eight corporate aircraft and held senior flight positions that demanded both precision and leadership.

Michael previously served as Journey’s Director of Safety, and now, as Chief Pilot, he is responsible for the oversight and continual development of the company’s flight crews, ensuring that all training, standards, and operations reflect the highest levels of safety, compliance, and professionalism.

Michael Sands

Chief Pilot

Michael Sands

Chief Pilot

Michael Sands brings a rare combination of financial acumen and aviation experience to his role as Chief Pilot at Journey Aviation. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance from Florida Atlantic University, Michael spent two decades in aviation insurance and financial services—providing him with a unique 360-degree view of the industry.

As a highly experienced aviator with over 11,000 flight hours, Michael has flown and served as a Check Airman on the Gulfstream GIVSP, GV, and G550, in both Part 91 and 135 environments.

Prior to joining Journey, he managed operations for a fleet of eight corporate aircraft and held senior flight positions that demanded both precision and leadership.

Michael previously served as Journey’s Director of Safety, and now, as Chief Pilot, he is responsible for the oversight and continual development of the company’s flight crews, ensuring that all training, standards, and operations reflect the highest levels of safety, compliance, and professionalism.

Laurie Amacker

Director of Safety

Laurie is an accomplished and experienced aviation professional with nearly 5000 hours as jet Pilot-in-Command, and thousands more as instructor pilot. She holds 6 type ratings on her Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, including LR-JET, HS-125, Falcon 2000 and 50/90, and she currently serves as Captain on Gulfstream IV and V/550 aircraft. Laurie joined the Journey Aviation team in January of 2018 as Director of Training. Currently, she holds the position of Director of Safety, as she believes safety is paramount in every facet of flight operations. In this roll Laurie chairs our in-house Safety Management System or SMS program. This internal safety assurance program is an essential element in ensuring our crew, aircraft, practices and polices.

Laurie Amacker is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronatical University with a degree in Aeronautical Science, and minor courses of study in Aviation Weather, Air Traffic Control, and the Humanities.

Laurie Amacker

Director of Safety

Laurie Amacker

Director of Safety

Laurie is an accomplished and experienced aviation professional with nearly 5000 hours as jet Pilot-in-Command, and thousands more as instructor pilot. She holds 6 type ratings on her Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, including LR-JET, HS-125, Falcon 2000 and 50/90, and she currently serves as Captain on Gulfstream IV and V/550 aircraft. Laurie joined the Journey Aviation team in January of 2018 as Director of Training. Currently, she holds the position of Director of Safety, as she believes safety is paramount in every facet of flight operations. In this roll Laurie chairs our in-house Safety Management System or SMS program. This internal safety assurance program is an essential element in ensuring our crew, aircraft, practices and polices.

Laurie Amacker is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronatical University with a degree in Aeronautical Science, and minor courses of study in Aviation Weather, Air Traffic Control, and the Humanities.

Toni Huddleston

Director of Maintenance

A standout leader in aviation maintenance, Toni Huddleston brings a rare dual perspective as both a licensed pilot and FAA-certified mechanic. As Journey Aviation’s Director of Maintenance, she leads the technical side of operations with precision, passion, and a commitment to airworthiness across the company’s global fleet.

Toni earned her Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she also completed the elite NATCO B747-400/B-727 Honors Course in Minneapolis, MN. She holds an FAA Commercial Multi-Instrument Pilot License, completed Learjet 35 training at FlightSafety® International, and later transitioned into a senior leadership role as Divisional Manager for a Part 145 Repair Station after earning her FAA Airframe & Powerplant License.

With hands-on experience in both flight and maintenance, Toni brings unmatched insight and operational rigor to her role. Her leadership is a key driver behind Journey’s maintenance excellence, global reliability, and dedication to safety.

Toni Huddleston

Director of Maintenance

Toni Huddleston

Director of Maintenance

A standout leader in aviation maintenance, Toni Huddleston brings a rare dual perspective as both a licensed pilot and FAA-certified mechanic. As Journey Aviation’s Director of Maintenance, she leads the technical side of operations with precision, passion, and a commitment to airworthiness across the company’s global fleet.

Toni earned her Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she also completed the elite NATCO B747-400/B-727 Honors Course in Minneapolis, MN. She holds an FAA Commercial Multi-Instrument Pilot License, completed Learjet 35 training at FlightSafety® International, and later transitioned into a senior leadership role as Divisional Manager for a Part 145 Repair Station after earning her FAA Airframe & Powerplant License.

With hands-on experience in both flight and maintenance, Toni brings unmatched insight and operational rigor to her role. Her leadership is a key driver behind Journey’s maintenance excellence, global reliability, and dedication to safety.

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