Alan Rusinowitz has been named president and chief operating officer of Ameriflight, the “nation’s largest Part 135 Cargo airline.”

The airline flies about 30 tons of cargo daily, and says it’s a critical part of the UPS, FedEx, and DHL supply chains, according to its website. As a “Part 135” carrier, the airline runs commercial, non-scheduled aircraft operations. 

Rusinowtiz will amplify the company’s vision as the leader in scalable, outsourced aviation services to the regional express airfreight market. He’ll also be responsible for planning and executing current and future business operation strategies.

The move comes on the cusp of Ameriflight CEO Paul Chase’s resignation, the company said.

“The board and I are confident that Alan is the optimal person to build on Ameriflight’s momentum,” Ameriflight owner and Chairman Jim Martell said in a statement. 

Martell says Rusinowtiz is well-established with “significant experience working in our niche of the airline industry, delivering value to both customers and employees, and attaining key performance goals through effective asset utilization.”

Ameriflight said that Rusinowitz comes to the company as a results-driven business leader and a hands-on executive with a demonstrated record of growing shareholder value by leading companies through strategic operational improvements and development.

Rusinowitz is highly regarded for his successes in airline operation management, as well as his focus on safety culture and continuous improvement, the company said.

“I have worked alongside Ameriflight in the industry for decades and have been impressed with the recent strategic moves they have made,” Rusinowitz said in a statement. “I have inherited a great group of people with a strong vision and safety culture. As president, my intention is to continue Ameriflight’s commitment of building a diversified aviation services platform, by focusing on our current and future business opportunities, including our Expedited Supply Chain Solutions operation, integrator operation, and emerging technologies.”

With more than 40 years in the industry, Rusinowitz has an extensive background in aviation that includes a blend of senior leadership experience in airline operations and business management. Most recently, Rusinowitz served 22 years at Martinaire Aviation as executive vice president and chief operating officer. He was a key leader in overseeing the development and implementation of that company’s strategic business goals and objectives, as well as successfully leading this year’s stock sale of Martinaire, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Founded in 1968, Ameriflight has grown from a small air charter and cargo service carrier to an international operator with 14 bases, 1,500 weekly departures, and 200 destinations. It has more than 500 employees including over 150 pilots and more than 100 aircraft. Ameriflight provides feeder services for overnight express carriers.

The Federal Aviation Administration grants the authority to operate on-demand, unscheduled air service via Part 135 certification. Many Part 135 operators offer critical passenger and cargo service to remote areas, providing an important lifeline to populations that otherwise wouldn’t exist.

Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.

Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.