APP Jet Center Appoints Eric Hietala Chief Operating Officer

Leading fixed-based operator, today announced that Eric Hietala will join the company as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective April 6, 2026

STUART, Florida--(BUSINESS WIRE)--APP Jet Center, a leading provider of aviation services, announced today the appointment of Eric Hietala as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Hietala will lead all aspects of the company's FBO operations, as well as supporting the growth of the network. Eric will also join the company's Executive Leadership Team.

Mr. Hietala brings deep sector knowledge of the business aviation industry, and an exceptional track record of leadership through a strong focus on safety, customer service and employee well-being. These skills perfectly align with the execution of APP Jet Center’s long‑term strategy and value creation.

“We are delighted to welcome Eric as our new COO,” said Mark Johnstone, CEO of APP Jet Center. “In the few short weeks since we closed the acquisition of APP Jet Center on March 10^th, and with Eric joining the team, we now have an exceptional leadership team in place to deliver operational excellence, and growth.”

Prior to APP Jet Center, Eric most recently served as a consultant to the business and general aviation industry. Previously, he held roles of increasing responsibility at Signature Aviation, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President of Airport Property Development and Senior Vice President of the West Region, overseeing 68 FBOs and more than 1,500 employees.

Eric earned his undergraduate degree from San Francisco State University and his Juris Doctor from San Francisco Law School while working full time in the business aviation industry. He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1989 and initially practiced insurance and tort law before transitioning his career focus to business aviation.

Eric is a private pilot, holding a SEL rating.

“I’m truly excited to be joining APP Jet Center at the start of our growth journey. I’m looking forward to partnering with Mr. Johnstone, Bain Capital and the entire APP Jet Center team as we look to grow to a 30+ location network,” said Eric Hietala.

Last month, APP Jet Center announced its acquisition by Bain Capital, and two weeks ago also announced the hire of Sharyar Aziz at CFO.

About APP Jet Center

APP Jet Center is an aviation company of fixed-based operations (FBOs) and airport real estate. It serves corporate and private air clients in strategically convenient and efficient locations within major U.S. markets including Stuart, Fl. (at Stuart Witham Field; SUA), Washington D.C. (at Manassas Regional Airport; HEF); San Francisco (at Hayward Executive Airport; HWD); and Fort Pierce, Fla. (at Treasure Coast International Airport; FPR); APP Properties also owns and operates 65,000 square feet of aircraft hangars at Centennial Airport (APA) in Denver, Colo. For more information, visit www.appjetcenter.com.