Aerion – which is developing a supersonic business jet called the AS2 – has appointed former president of Embraer Executive Jets, Ernest (Ernie) Edwards (left), as its new senior vice president and chief commercial officer. Edwards is responsible for all sales activity related to the Mach 1.5 AS2, reporting to Aerion’s CEO, Doug Nichols.
Edwards retired as president of Embraer Executive Jets at the end of 2013 and earlier served as that company’s vice president of sales and marketing for North America. “Ernie is known and respected throughout the business jet community around the globe,” said Nichols. “He understands our customer base, which, of course, encompasses the absolute elite users of business aircraft. His contribution to Aerion will be invaluable.”
“From his days at Embraer, and even earlier, Ernie has been a pioneer and a very successful one at that,” said Brian Barents, co-chairman at Aerion. “We will benefit greatly from his vast experience and talents.”
A 45-year veteran of the industry, Edwards most recently served as non-executive chairman of Veling Tayara, a Dubai-based company that provides structured operating leases for business jets. He has held senior management positions with Cessna and Gulfstream and is the former president of Swift Aviation Group.”
“Aerion is taking dramatic steps forward as it expands relationships within the industry and adds to its exceptionally talented team,” said Robert Bass, chairman at Aerion. “The appointment of Ernie Edwards provides astute and tremendously capable leadership on the sales side that will substantially increase program momentum.”
Edwards is an ATP pilot, type rated in Citation-series aircraft, and also holds an Airframe and Powerplant license. He is a 1972 graduate of Kelsterton College and speaks Arabic.
“The most rewarding times in my career have been those when I had the chance to run with a new idea and remake the industry,” said Edwards. “Aerion will do more than that: it will simply revolutionize the way the world travels. I could not ask for a more exciting opportunity.”
May 7, 2015
