BOSTON, MA, Mon July 27, 2020 – John Thomas, the former Group Executive (CEO) of Virgin Australia Airlines, has joined Spike Aerospace Executive Team, to help introduce the company’s supersonic jet to the world’s major airlines.
“Spike Aerospace’s vision for supersonic flight is tremendously compelling and ideally suited for all the major international airlines. The Spike Jet with a low-sonic boom, long range and seating capacity will work well in airline operations. I’m looking forward to helping build relationships with major customers around the globe.” said John Thomas.
By the mid-2020s, airlines will be able to offer premium passengers 40% faster flights on the Spike Supersonic Jet for business or first-class fares. This will enable business travelers to be more effective and competitive – while personal travelers can enjoy more of the world. Spike is committed to environmentally responsible aviation, Stage 5 compliance and low-sonic boom for overland flight.
“I’m extremely excited to have John Thomas join our team and apply his considerable experience and connections with airlines to our vision. Not only does John brings executive leadership experience, he brings his operational experience with his FAA Part 135 operations as head of Waltzing Matilda Aviation.” added Vik Kachoria, President & CEO of Spike Aerospace.
Mr. Thomas, a commercial pilot, launched a small regional airline in Australia in the late 70s. He then went on to become senior advisor for over 25 years to many of the world’s leading airlines including Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska, LATAM, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, British Airways, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic. His work included the merger between Delta and Northwest Airlines, the introduction of ancillary revenues to legacy airlines around the world, the successful establishment of JVs between major airlines and the re-configuration of Frequent Flyer programs. In addition, he worked extensively in the B&GA space advising companies including Piper Aircraft, Vistajet, Flexjet, Flight Options, Landmark, Standard Aero, BBA and Signature Flight Support.
Most recently Mr. Thomas was CEO (and AOC holder/accountable executive) of Virgin Australia Airlines, a $US3bn turnover airline with aircraft ranging from B777-300ERs down to ATR72s.
Mr. Thomas also serves on the board of directors of Icelandair and Sky Service (the largest FBO and corporate aviation operator in Canada). In addition, Mr. Thomas is a Senior Advisor with McKinsey & Company, Nieuport Aviation Infrastructure Partners (operator of the Billy Bishop Downtown Toronto Airport terminal), Plusgrade and CAPA Centre for Aviation.
About Spike Aerospace
Spike Aerospace, Inc., is a Boston-based leading innovator in supersonic passenger jet aircraft with proprietary low-sonic boom technology, environmentally responsible engines and world class economics for passengers, private owners and airline operators.
A seasoned executive team and experienced senior engineers with backgrounds from leading aerospace companies are developing and optimizing the design of the supersonic aircraft. Top aerospace partners are providing their expertise in major systems, engineering, manufacturing and testing. https://www.spikeaerospace.com/
Media Contacts
Spike Aerospace Inc.
Maggie Kennedy
+1.617.953.6743
Email: media@spikeaerospace.com
John Thomas
jthomas@wmaviation.org
