DIRECTIONAL AVIATION’S KENN RICCI HONORS LOUIS PEPPER WITH THE KENN RICCI LIFETIME LIVING LEGENDS OF AVIATION ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

• Former CEO of Atlantic Aviation, Louis Pepper, honored with prestigious award to celebrate his accomplishments in the aviation industry

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 26, 2024 – Kenn Ricci, Founder and Principal of Directional Aviation Capital and Chairman of Flexjet, Inc., presented Louis Pepper, former CEO and current member of the board for Atlantic Aviation, with the Living Legends of Aviation Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award. The 22^nd annual Legends event was once again held at the Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Louis Pepper’s 45-year career in general aviation is marked by significant achievements and leadership roles. Pepper’s dedication to safety, customer experience and employee well-being became the cornerstone of his management philosophy. After starting his career at Teterboro Aircraft Service and rising through the ranks, Pepper later became president of Million Air and the owner of the Million Air Franchise Company. In 2000, Pepper led the acquisition of Atlantic Aviation, which has been his home for nearly 25 years. Under his leadership, Atlantic Aviation grew into one of the nation’s largest general aviation companies, known for its world-class FBO services, advanced safety standards and technological advancements. Even after stepping down as CEO in 2023, he continues to operate as a board member for Atlantic Aviation.

“Lou’s influence on the industry extends far beyond his role as CEO. He fostered a culture of first-class customer service and invested in mission-critical infrastructure that ultimately helped support pilots and airports through significant technological advancements,” said Ricci, a Legend himself and a recipient of the award which now bears his name.

Pepper joins a prestigious list of past Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award winners  — including the most recent winner, Larry Mendelson, CEO of HEICO — Solairus founder and CEO Dan Drohan; Avfuel Corporation Managing Partner Craig R. Sincock; Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos; Bigelow Aerospace Founder Robert Bigelow; and the late Dr. S. Harry Robertson III, founder of Robertson Aviation. 

Founded in 2003, the Living Legends of Aviation includes pioneers, achievers and other people of accomplishment in the field such as astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Jim Lovell and pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger. The annual event serves as one of the largest fundraisers for the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring future aviation enthusiasts.

The Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award deepens the ongoing connection between Flexjet and the Living Legends. “This annual recognition celebrates the cumulative achievements of those who have reshaped the face of aviation. Their spirit of innovation mirrors the culture we champion at Flexjet – one that encourages bold thinking, advances in technology and a commitment to redefining the future of flight,” said Ricci.

Flexjet’s comprehensive Corporate Safety Management System is built on four important components:

About FLEXJET

Flexjet, a global leader in private aviation, first entered the fractional jet ownership market in 1995 and is about to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Flexjet offers fractional jet ownership and leasing and is the first in the world to be recognized as achieving the Air Charter Safety Foundation’s Industry Audit Standard, is the first and only company to be honored with 25 FAA Diamond Awards for Excellence, upholds an ARGUS Platinum Safety Rating, a 4AIR Bronze Sustainable Rating and is certified at Stage 2 with IS-BAO. Red Label by Flexjet, a market differentiator, features an ultra-modern fleet, flight crews dedicated to a single aircraft and the LXi Cabin Collection of interiors. To date there are nearly 50 different interior designs across its fleet, which includes the Embraer Phenom 300, Praetor 500 and 600, Bombardier Challenger 350/3500 and the Gulfstream G450 and G650. Flexjet’s European fleet includes the Embraer Praetor 600 and the Gulfstream G650. Flexjet’s helicopter division offers leases, helicopter cards and convenient interchange access for its aircraft Owners. Flexjet owns, operates and maintains its fleet of Sikorsky S-76 helicopters which boast 55,000 hours of safe flying certified by Wyvern and ARGUS and serving locations throughout the northeastern United States, United Kingdom and Florida. Flexjet is a member of the Directional Aviation family of companies. For more details on innovative programs and flexible offerings, visit www.flexjet.com or follow us on Instagram @Flexjetllc.

CONTACT:

Susan Ruiz Patton
Flexjet Head of External Communications
216-333-9526 (mobile)
[email protected]