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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 CEO and founding member of Journey Aviation, a Part 135 Operator based in Boca Raton, Florida, USA with multiple locations throughout the world.  Under his leadership, the company has demonstrated notable growth since its inception in January of 2014, exceeding $365 million USD in total revenue within its first 8 years in business, while establishing itself as an industry preferred quality operator.

Prior to entering the aviation industry, Mr. Bello worked for a top worldwide logistics company with over $3 billion USD yearly turnover.   In addition to his extensive business knowledge, Mr. Bello has vast experience working with and uniting diverse cultures worldwide; particularly Hispanic, European, Asian and of Arabic regions. He has an innate ability of bringing and keeping individuals working together in pursuit of a common goal.  Getting things done effectively, efficiently and with the buy-in of all related parties is one of the strongest attributes to his management style.

Mr. Bello was born in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to Miami, Florida at the age of three.  He was raised in South Florida and attended the University of Miami where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and is currently an Executive MBA candidate at the University of Oxford Saïd Business School.

Fabian Bello

Chief Executive Officer

Fabian Bello

Chief Executive Officer

Fabian Bello is CEO and founding member of Journey Aviation, a Part 135 Operator based in Boca Raton, Florida, USA with multiple locations throughout the world.  Under his leadership, the company has demonstrated notable growth since its inception in January of 2014, exceeding $365 million USD in total revenue within its first 8 years in business, while establishing itself as an industry preferred quality operator.

Prior to entering the aviation industry, Mr. Bello worked for a top worldwide logistics company with over $3 billion USD yearly turnover.   In addition to his extensive business knowledge, Mr. Bello has vast experience working with and uniting diverse cultures worldwide; particularly Hispanic, European, Asian and of Arabic regions. He has an innate ability of bringing and keeping individuals working together in pursuit of a common goal.  Getting things done effectively, efficiently and with the buy-in of all related parties is one of the strongest attributes to his management style.

Mr. Bello was born in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to Miami, Florida at the age of three.  He was raised in South Florida and attended the University of Miami where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and is currently an Executive MBA candidate at the University of Oxford Saïd Business School.

Michael McCauley

President

Michael McCauley is President and founding member of Journey Aviation. With more than 30 years and 14,000 flight hours operating Part 135 aircraft, Mr. McCauley has established deep expertise in the industry. Mr. McCauley holds numerous airline transport ratings in all categories: jets, helicopters and seaplanes, FAA Check Airman representative and is a licensed Airframe and Power plant mechanic.

Throughout his career, Mr. McCauley has focused not only growing on his aviation expertise but on building and diversifying businesses to withstand all market changes. He transitioned from mid-size, domestic aircraft, to large-cabin, international aircraft to address growing demand for global travel. He built a Part 145 Repair Station to improve maintenance quality while simultaneously reducing maintenance expense.

Mr. McCauley had the privilege to attract and partner with top talent, who have achieved what many in the industry could only dream. Mr. McCauley’s businesses have been responsible for total revenue turn over in excess of a billion USD.  Today, he is active in three aviation related companies: Journey Aviation, Blackbird Aero (aircraft dealer) and Longtail Aviation (Bermuda’s only AOC).

Due to his vast industry and aircraft experience, Mr. McCauley is currently a member of the Gulfstream Customer Advisory Board and was on the Gulfstream G650 Development Customer Advisory Team.  In addition, he is currently a member of the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Industry Advisory Board. Mr. McCauley attended Lynn University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management/Business Administration, graduating magna cum laude.

Michael McCauley

President

Michael McCauley

President

Michael McCauley is President and founding member of Journey Aviation. With more than 30 years and 14,000 flight hours operating Part 135 aircraft, Mr. McCauley has established deep expertise in the industry. Mr. McCauley holds numerous airline transport ratings in all categories: jets, helicopters and seaplanes, FAA Check Airman representative and is a licensed Airframe and Power plant mechanic.

Throughout his career, Mr. McCauley has focused not only growing on his aviation expertise but on building and diversifying businesses to withstand all market changes. He transitioned from mid-size, domestic aircraft, to large-cabin, international aircraft to address growing demand for global travel. He built a Part 145 Repair Station to improve maintenance quality while simultaneously reducing maintenance expense.

Mr. McCauley had the privilege to attract and partner with top talent, who have achieved what many in the industry could only dream. Mr. McCauley’s businesses have been responsible for total revenue turn over in excess of a billion USD.  Today, he is active in three aviation related companies: Journey Aviation, Blackbird Aero (aircraft dealer) and Longtail Aviation (Bermuda’s only AOC).

Due to his vast industry and aircraft experience, Mr. McCauley is currently a member of the Gulfstream Customer Advisory Board and was on the Gulfstream G650 Development Customer Advisory Team.  In addition, he is currently a member of the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Industry Advisory Board. Mr. McCauley attended Lynn University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management/Business Administration, graduating magna cum laude.

Nicholas Reinardy

Director of Operations

With over 20 years experience in the aviation industry, Mr. Reinardy has been flying Part 135 on demand charter since 1999 as a First Officer, Captain, Assistant Chief Pilot, Check Airman, Chief pilot and currently holds the position as Director of Operations for Journey Aviation. After accumulating over 9,000 hours of flight time and global airman experience, Mr. Reinardy has been instrumental in the Company’s training and oversight of the flight crews to achieve the highest level of safety and cockpit standards in the industry.

In his current role, Mr. Reinardy’s handles the direct oversight and management of the Company’s Global Flight Operations, Quality Control and Aircraft Management for current and new clients. He is responsible for formulating, implementing and providing oversight of operations procedures and policies.

Nicholas Reinardy earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and was a qualified FlightSafety International Simulator Instructor.

Nicholas Reinardy

Director of Operations

Nicholas Reinardy

Director of Operations

With over 20 years experience in the aviation industry, Mr. Reinardy has been flying Part 135 on demand charter since 1999 as a First Officer, Captain, Assistant Chief Pilot, Check Airman, Chief pilot and currently holds the position as Director of Operations for Journey Aviation. After accumulating over 9,000 hours of flight time and global airman experience, Mr. Reinardy has been instrumental in the Company’s training and oversight of the flight crews to achieve the highest level of safety and cockpit standards in the industry.

In his current role, Mr. Reinardy’s handles the direct oversight and management of the Company’s Global Flight Operations, Quality Control and Aircraft Management for current and new clients. He is responsible for formulating, implementing and providing oversight of operations procedures and policies.

Nicholas Reinardy earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and was a qualified 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 graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor in Business Administration with a major in Finance. He spent 20 years in the financial services and insurance industry, specializing in Aviation Insurance. Prior to joining Journey Aviation, Mr. Sands acted as Chief Pilot and Operations Manager for a Part 91 Operation of eight corporate aircraft. Mr. Sands is a seasoned Part 135 with over 11,000 hours logged, Captain and Check Airmen on the Gulfstream GIVSP, Gulfstream GV and Gulfstream 550.

As the Company’s previous Director of Safety, Mr. Sands currently holds the position of Chief Pilot. He is responsible for the direct oversight of the Company’s training and oversight of the flight crews to achieve the highest level of safety and cockpit standards in the industry.

Michael Sands

Chief Pilot

Michael Sands

Chief Pilot

Michael Sands graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor in Business Administration with a major in Finance. He spent 20 years in the financial services and insurance industry, specializing in Aviation Insurance. Prior to joining Journey Aviation, Mr. Sands acted as Chief Pilot and Operations Manager for a Part 91 Operation of eight corporate aircraft. Mr. Sands is a seasoned Part 135 with over 11,000 hours logged, Captain and Check Airmen on the Gulfstream GIVSP, Gulfstream GV and Gulfstream 550.

As the Company’s previous Director of Safety, Mr. Sands currently holds the position of Chief Pilot. He is responsible for the direct oversight of the Company’s training and oversight of the flight crews to achieve the highest level of safety and cockpit standards in the industry.

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

Toni Huddleston received her Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University including the NATCO B747-400/B-727 ERAU Honors Course in Minneapolis, MN. She attended FlightSafety® International where she completed her Learjet 35 Pilot Initial and Recurrent training and maintains her FAA Commercial Multi-Instrument Pilots License.

Ms Huddleston transitioned into the position of Divisional Manager for a Part 145 Repair Station after receiving her FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics License.

Her extensive maintenance experience serves to complement Journey Aviation’s fleet of worldwide aircraft.

Toni Huddleston

Director of Maintenance

Toni Huddleston

Director of Maintenance

Toni Huddleston received her Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University including the NATCO B747-400/B-727 ERAU Honors Course in Minneapolis, MN. She attended FlightSafety® International where she completed her Learjet 35 Pilot Initial and Recurrent training and maintains her FAA Commercial Multi-Instrument Pilots License.

Ms Huddleston transitioned into the position of Divisional Manager for a Part 145 Repair Station after receiving her FAA Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics License.

Her extensive maintenance experience serves to complement Journey Aviation’s fleet of worldwide aircraft.

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