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Tradewind Aviation CEO: No Slowdown Here

Eric Zipkin, CEO of Tradewind Aviation, gives FLYING a peek into how the on-demand charter business has fared during the year and how he is positioning the company ahead of a potential slowdown in the economy.

Tradewind Aviation is one of the largest Pilatus operators in the world. [Photo: Tradewind Aviation]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Tradewind Aviation continues to experience strong demand for private air travel, as clients who adopted private aviation during the pandemic are reluctant to return to commercial options, despite global economic challenges.
  • The company maintains its market position by offering a cost-efficient private aviation solution (Pilatus PC-12s), appealing to small-to-midsize companies seeking value and convenience.
  • The primary challenge for Tradewind Aviation is the pilot shortage, which is being addressed through participation in pilot gateway programs, alongside a strategic focus on measured growth and customer service.
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Earlier this year, FLYING spoke with Eric Zipkin, CEO of Tradewind Aviation, to take the temperature of the charter jet market. During that interview, Zipkin shared how his Connecticut-based company was adjusting to shifting work-from-anywhere trends and increasing demand for private aviation. In early March, Tradewind Aviation announced that it was ordering 20 PC-12 NGX turboprops from Pilatus to bolster its fleet.

Since early spring, however, the world has changed. The global economy has been awash with the ripple effects of the Russian-Ukraine conflict that began at the end of February. That crisis is still playing out. So far, it has affected the fuel market by sending prices surging. It has also affected aircraft ownership and insurance premiums; and losing Russia from the marketplace as the world emerged from the pandemic has caused various supply and demand challenges that may also contribute to a global recession. 

Michael Wildes

Michael Wildes holds a master’s degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, and a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Previously, he worked at the university’s flight department as a Flight Check Airman, Assistant Training Manager, and Quality Assurance Mentor. He holds MEI, CFI & CFII ratings. Follow Michael on Twitter @Captainwildes.

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