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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:

  • Despite global economic challenges like surging fuel prices and a potential recession, demand for private aviation, particularly for business travel, remains robust as users prioritize its convenience and efficiency over commercial airlines.
  • Tradewind Aviation leverages the affordability of its PC-12 turboprops to attract small to mid-size companies, offering a cost-effective entry into private aviation that helps sustain demand even as businesses face cost-cutting pressures.
  • The primary challenge for Tradewind Aviation is the pilot shortage, which it addresses through strategic partnerships; the company's long-term strategy focuses on measured growth and superior customer service to ensure loyalty.
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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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