Avocet Aviation Appoints Industry Veteran, Edward Gray, As New General Manager and Chief of Operations

SANFORD, Florida – July 6, 2017 – Avocet Aviation, the full-service Orlando-based aircraft maintenance services provider, is pleased to announce the recent addition of Edward Gray to the company’s senior management team in the role of General Manager and Chief of Operations.

Gray, a veteran of the MRO industry, brings more than 35 years of experience to Avocet, along with a history of delivering exceptional service to customers. Gray is also passionate about the industry’s next generation of engineers and technicians, both growing tomorrow’s pipeline of workers, and encouraging next-gen training and professional development among the industry’s rising stars, both of which align with the Company’s vision.

As Avocet’s new general manager, Gray will oversee all facets of the company’s maintenance operations – from modifications and repair to tear-down and company standards, procedures, and practices. Gray’s appointment also coincides with two significant planned endeavors by the company – a multi-phase facility expansion, and the launch of a new on-site school and apprenticeship program, both of which he will take part in developing and managing.

After eight years of military service with the United States Air Force, Gray began his MRO career, steadily rising through the ranks and landing his first Director of Maintenance position with Evergreen Air Center in Marana, AZ in 1997. He then joined TIMCO Aviation Services as Director of Planning and Production, before being promoted to Director of Maintenance after only two years with the company. He held similar positions for Kitty Hawk Air Cargo in Dallas, Texas, and Martinaire in Addison, Texas. Gray’s extensive career also includes serving as Senior Director of Operations for EADS (Lake Charles, LA), and serving as a consultant for American West Airlines, Air Jamaica Airlines, Avexus, Leading Edge Aviation Services, and AIM Fleet (South West Airlines and Air Canada).

“We are extremely proud and excited to have Edward join our team,” said Patrick Arellano Sr., Chief Executive Officer, Avocet Aviation. “Edward brings not only years of invaluable experience, but also a broad perspective on the industry – both where it is and where it is headed. His commitment to excellence and vision will no doubt build on the foundation of superior service, high standards and efficiency that Avocet has established, and help take us to even greater heights.”

New Services

In its continuing efforts to provide full-service maintenance to its customers, Avocet recently received FAA approval to offer service to the Douglas/Boeing DC-9 series including Aircraft Line Maintenance, Aircraft Storage and Preservation, Engine changes, Aircraft A, B, and C checks, APU removal and installations. They also have added A, B, and segmented C checks to its capabilities for Airbus 330-200 series. In addition to current services, they have added Aircraft A, B, and C checks, Aircraft Storage and Preservation, and Composite Repairs to the Airbus 340-300 series.

Avocet’s unique transition services represent an area of specialization in an area of industry need as the larger MROs are less equipped to provide these services cost-effectively due to their size. In its consistent delivery of quality and on-budget service throughout its 25+ year history, together with its dutiful commitment to serving the needs of the community and the environment, Avocet Aviation has earned a reputation in the aircraft maintenance services industry as a true leader and innovator.