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 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 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 brings more than two decades of aviation experience to JAI Aviation Services, serving as Chief Pilot with a strong focus on operational excellence, safety, and crew leadership. With over 9,000 flight hours and extensive command time, Juan has built a career spanning corporate aviation, airline operations, and flight instruction across the United States and Central America.
Juan has served as Captain, Chief Pilot, and Flight Instructor on a wide range of aircraft, including the Bombardier Challenger series, Citation 525/560XL, King Air, and Airbus A320 family. His background includes leadership roles overseeing flight operations, pilot training, standard operating procedures, and safety culture within complex aviation environments.
At JAI Aviation Services, Juan is responsible for pilot oversight, standardization, training coordination, and ensuring that all flight operations meet the highest safety and professionalism standards expected in private Part 91 aircraft management. His hands-on operational experience allows him to bridge the gap between management and line pilots, ensuring consistency, readiness, and confidence on every flight.
Juan holds FAA and ICAO Airline Transport Pilot certificates with multiple type ratings and maintains ICAO English Proficiency Level 6. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and is known for his disciplined approach, calm leadership style, and commitment to continuous improvement in flight operations.
John Sausedo joins JAI Aviation Services as Director of Safety, bringing more than two decades of professional aviation experience and a strong background in Part 91 and Part 135 operations. He is an FAA Airline Transport Pilot with over 15,700 total flight hours, including extensive experience in turbine and jet aircraft operations.
Throughout his career, John has served in a wide range of roles including Pilot in Command, EMS Pilot, Aerial Firefighting Pilot, Flight Instructor, and Check Airman, giving him a well-rounded perspective on operational risk management, training, and safety culture. His experience includes flying aircraft such as the EMB-505 Phenom 300, CJ4, CJ3, Citation Mustang, King Air B200, and Cessna Caravan, among others.
John’s leadership in safety is backed by prior experience as a Chief Pilot and Director of Safety at West Air, where he also served as a line pilot and check airman. His combination of hands-on flight experience, operational leadership, and safety oversight makes him a valuable asset to JAI Aviation Services as the company continues to grow and uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
