Media Releases

Zurich, Switzerland  —  Jet Aviation has restructured its U.S. executive management. Jim Ziegler, who had been chief operating officer of U.S. operations, is leaving the company and will become an advisor to Jet Aviation. Effective today, Gary Dempsey, Jet Aviation's president of Flight Services for The Americas, and Kurt Sutterer, president, MRO & Completions of Midcoast Aviation, an affiliate of the Jet Aviation Group, will be responsible for U.S. operations. They will report directly to Peter G. Edwards, president of the Jet Aviation Group.

Both Gary Dempsey and Kurt Sutterer are industry veterans who have contributed significantly to the success of the U.S. organization over the past few years. Gary Dempsey joined Jet Aviation in 2003 and was promoted to president of Jet Aviation Flight Services, which includes FBO, aircraft management, charter and staffing services, three years later. Kurt Sutterer became part of Jet Aviation through its acquisition of Midcoast Aviation in 2006 where he has served since 1981, most recently as the company's president. Since then he has held the position of president, MRO & Completions, responsible for all Midcoast Aviation operations throughout the US, including Savannah Air Center.

Jim Ziegler joined Jet Aviation in 2007, when the Permira Funds held Jet Aviation as a portfolio company. During his time at Jet Aviation, Ziegler contributed to the growth and expansion of Jet Aviation's footprint in the U.S. Under his leadership significant improvements were made in Midcoast Aviation's completions systems and processes as well as major capacity expansions at the St. Louis location. In addition, the company successfully expanded its presence in the Americas with the acquisition and integration of Savannah Air Center and its recent announcement of the expansion of the aircraft management and charter operations in Brazil.

"Following an extensive career at Learjet and Bombardier, Jim was brought into the company to develop and execute a strategy to grow the business and to integrate the various units into a cohesive enterprise," said Edwards, adding, "since his arrival, the organization has been professionalized and positioned well for the future. In addition, he played an integral role in supporting the recent transition of the company to General Dynamics. We thank him for his dedication and contribution to Jet Aviation's success over these past two years."