Mesa Air Group Strengthens Operations Team to Prepare for New Fleet

PHOENIX--()--Mesa Airlines today announced certain management changes as it positions itself to add 30 new Embraer 175 aircraft over the next year into United Express service.

Mike Ferverda, currently Senior Vice President - Flight Operations, will lead the Embraer 175 induction. Ferverda joined Mesa Airlines in 1990 as a First Officer in the Beechcraft 1300 and has served the Company in various capacities, including Captain, Flight Instructor/Check Airman, Assistant Chief Pilot, FAA Designated Examiner, FAA Director of Operations, Divisional Vice President, and Senior Vice President of our China Joint Venture. Ferverda, with over 46 years of professional experience in the aviation industry, is a highly regarded aviator and a key member of management. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University and began his aviation career as a Naval Aviator. Ferverda will be joined by other senior management individuals, who will be assigned to work exclusively on this project.

“The introduction of Embraer 175 is one of our most important initiatives in years and Mike is the perfect person to lead this team. Mike has led a number of new aircraft fleet introductions at Mesa, including adding the world’s first CRJ-900 to Mesa’s fleet in 2003. I am certain Mike’s assignment will ensure the success of this program,” said Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mesa Air Group, Inc.

In addition, the Company has selected Captain Kevin Wilson to serve as Vice President of Flight Operations. Wilson joined Mesa in 1989 as a First Officer in the Cessna Caravan and now has more than 19,000 hours of flight time. Wilson has served various roles throughout his career at Mesa, including Director of Systems Operational Control, Check Airman, Chairman of ALPA Central Air Safety Committee, and Chairman of Mesa’s ALPA Master Executive Council. Wilson has led and managed numerous special projects at the Company, including the design and implementation of our industry leading fuel efficiency program.

“Kevin and I have known each other since 1989, and I am both professionally and personally delighted to have him join us in this senior management role,” added Ornstein. Wilson received his Bachelor of Science degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

“Kevin is uniquely qualified for this position. He is a natural leader who has wide respect throughout the company and with our airline partners. I look forward to working with him,” said Paul Foley, Mesa’s Chief Operating Officer. These changes are effective immediately.

Mesa currently operates 69 aircraft with approximately 396 daily system departures to 77 cities, and recently announced an additional 30 Embraer 175 aircraft will be flying for United Airlines. Mesa operates as US Airways Express and United Express under contractual agreements with US Airways and United Airlines, respectively.

Contacts

Mesa Air Group, Inc.
Brian S. Gillman, 602-685-4051
EVP and General Counsel

Contacts

Mesa Air Group, Inc.
Brian S. Gillman, 602-685-4051
EVP and General Counsel