Whenever I am asked to tell my story, I always smile as I tell the story of how a guy, who started with nothing, was lucky enough to find a job in aviation and, in turn, discover a passion for an industry, which continues to grow with time.

Years ago, having worked at a myriad of jobs such as dish washing, hotel clerk, collections, pizza delivery, fiber optic cabling, and a very brief attempt as a modeling scout, I eventually found myself out of work. I even tried buying and selling cars from auctions, with little success. I was in debt, and feeling lost. Having always been fascinated by aviation, I applied for a job at a local airport. A ground handling company was hiring passenger service agents, and although I wasn’t even sure at the time what that was, I knew I wanted it. From that day forward, my life has changed in ways that I had never dreamed of.

I took to the industry like a fish to water. Within months, I went from being the “new guy,” to working 60 and 70-hour weeks, to shift manager. I would eat, sleep, and breathe the airline industry. Though my bills were high and I frequently had to choose between paying the rent and buying food, I managed to remain focused and impress several airline managers. One manager gave me a chance to leave the ground handling business and try working with him in airline operations for a very well known charter airline. Less than a year later, he moved on to another station, and that airline promoted me to his position.

Working within the charter world gave me the experience and freedom to coordinate all types of charter operations, all around the globe. After a few years, I was managing charter operations worldwide for that airline.

After several years, and many changes in the airline industry, I made the decision to leave my job and become an independent contractor.

Success came quickly and in July of 2007, Elite Operations was born. Today, Elite Operations, Inc. is comprised of over 40 highly-skilled professional men and women. Our Team includes many former long-standing airline managers and directors, as well as an energetic and worldly group who collectively hold more than 100 years of global scheduled and charter operations experience between them. With team members throughout the country, and capable of traveling anywhere, Elite Operations is uniquely qualified to work within our clients’ budgets, as well as increasing efficiency by giving you the ability to maintain your current staffing levels where you need them most and giving your customers an exceptional experience.

In today’s fast paced, ever-changing business environment, Elite Operations also works closely with Ido Reem, CEO of Reem Aviation Security Consultants LLC, formerly with EL AL Israel Airlines Security Department. As a trusted advisor, Reem assists Elite Operations in remaining within regulatory compliance on all TSA matters.

How important is growing your charter business to you and your company?
Here are just a few of the clients that we have served:

1. Barack Obama
2. Hillary Clinton
3. New York Yankees
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. New York Rangers
6. Baltimore Ravens
7. Indianapolis Colts
8. Miami Heat
9. World Wrestling Entertainment
10. Penn State University
11. State Farm Insurance
12. University of Arkansas Football
13. Tampa Bay Lightning
14. Members of the U.S. Congress
15. and many more….

Industry Leadership

What are some of the things we do for our clients?

Within 25 minutes of a VIP Passengers’ arrival, a request was made on his behalf. He wanted a very specific order. Catering had already been onboard and delivered first rate meals for the other 70+ passengers and crew. Rather than say no, we had the food prepared and waiting for him just minutes before he arrived for departure.

A Presidential Candidate’s assistant accidentally left the candidate’s laptop onboard the plane during an overnight stop. When the call came in that the candidate needed the laptop to prepare for an important debate, we picked up the laptop, acquired a car and delivered it to the campaign staff within 2 hours of the call.

During a 2 week VIP Sports Organization Tour of Europe, our team member personally prepared the cabin in a manner that was above and beyond what our client and their broker had agreed upon. This resulted in our Airline Client picking up additional 2 week European tours.