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Daniel Defernez is a seasoned aviation professional with over 5,000 flight hours and extensive experience in aircraft management, operations, and leadership. As the CEO and Chief Pilot (West Coast) of JAI Aviation Services, Daniel plays a pivotal role in steering the company’s strategic direction, overseeing operations, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
Daniel’s career spans a range of significant roles, including his current position at JAI Aviation Services, where he manages a diverse fleet including King Air C90GTi, King Air 250, King Air 350i, Citation CJ2+, and Challenger 605. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership in operational oversight, strategic planning, and financial management, aligning the company’s resources with its growth objectives.
In addition to his leadership at JAI, Daniel has experience in Part 135 operations, where he contributed to enhancing safety protocols and operational procedures. His previous experience also includes roles as Director of Operations and Chief Pilot at Trial by Human CR, and Chief Pilot and Operations Manager at Constructora Meco S.A., where he led Part 91 operations and managed aircraft such as the Citation CJ3.
Daniel holds an FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with multiple type ratings, including CE 525(s), BE-300, CL-604, and LR-45. His extensive training and certifications, combined with his hands-on experience in both flight and operational management, make him a highly respected leader in the aviation industry.
Esteban Vega brings over a decade of extensive experience in aviation management, flight operations, and safety. As the Director of Operations and Chief Pilot at JAI Aviation Services, Esteban plays a critical role in overseeing the company’s flight operations and ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
Before co-founding JAI Aviation Services, Esteban served as Chief Pilot and Aviation Department Manager for various companies across Central America, including Trial by Human CR, Air Costa Rica, and Aero Caribe Air Charter. His career highlights include managing operations for multiple aircraft types, such as the CL604, C525, and B737, and holding pivotal roles in safety and training.
Esteban holds FAA and ICAO Airline Transport Pilot Certificates with multiple ratings, including C525S, CL604, and B737. He has logged over 6,000 total flight hours, with significant experience in multi-engine and jet aircraft. Additionally, Esteban is a Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certified professional with a strong background in SOP development, CRM training, and aircraft transactions.
Esteban studied Business Administration at the University of Costa Rica and is dedicated to continuous learning and professional development in aviation.
Jason Silbernagle is the Maintenance Director at JAI Aviation, bringing a wealth of experience and a meticulous eye for detail to his role. With a robust background in aircraft maintenance and engineering, Jason oversees all aspects of maintenance operations, ensuring that every aircraft meets the highest standards of safety and performance.
His proactive approach and commitment to excellence help maintain the fleet’s reliability and readiness, making him an indispensable part of the JAI Aviation team. Jason’s leadership not only upholds but enhances the company’s reputation for operational excellence.
Juan Solis is a highly experienced aviator with over 9,000 flight hours and a strong background in both operational and instructional roles. As the Director of Safety at JAI Aviation Services, Juan is dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards across all operations, ensuring the well-being of both crew and passengers.
Juan’s extensive career spans multiple roles, including Captain, First Officer, Chief Pilot, and Flight Instructor. He has flown a wide variety of aircraft, ranging from turboprops like the BE-300 to jets such as the CL-604, CE-560XL, and the Airbus A320 family. His experience includes positions at respected organizations like Avianca / Taca, and various flight schools where he contributed significantly to pilot training and safety management.
Holding FAA and ICAO Airline Transport Pilot Certificates with ratings on aircraft including the CL-604, C-560XL, and BE-300, Juan is well-versed in both the operational and regulatory aspects of aviation.
Juan’s commitment to safety and his deep understanding of aviation operations make him a pivotal member of the JAI Aviation Services team, ensuring that all flights are conducted with the utmost attention to safety and efficiency.
Melissa Garro is a highly skilled professional with extensive experience in customer logistics, hospitality, and reservations management. As the head of Passenger Logistics and Concierge Services at JAI Aviation Services, Melissa ensures that every aspect of a client’s journey is meticulously planned and executed, providing a seamless and luxurious experience from start to finish.
Melissa’s career spans over two decades, with key roles in both the aviation and hospitality industries. Prior to joining JAI Aviation Services, she served as the Reservations Manager at Aerobell Air Charter Services, where she supervised flight bookings, managed client communications, and worked closely with the operations team to ensure smooth flight schedules. Her ability to handle customer inquiries, organize complex travel itineraries, and resolve conflicts quickly made her an invaluable asset to the company.
Melissa holds a Master’s degree in Communications and Marketing from Universidad Latina, and a Bachelor’s degree in Hotels and Restaurants Management from Universidad Interamericana de Costa Rica. Her diverse background, combined with her commitment to exceptional customer service, makes her a key contributor to the success of JAI Aviation Services.
