Project Phoenix appoints Andrew Johnston, Vice President Commercial

Project Phoenix, a Dubai-based company which specializes in Bombardier CRJ-200 executive VIP conversions has appointed Andrew Johnston as Vice President – Commercial. Andrew will be responsible for all the commercial elements relating to the conversion of CRJ-200 regional jets to executive business aircraft.

Reporting to President Mike Cappuccitti, Andrew will work alongside Vice President - Sales, Nick Mossa, and the project management team led by Kevin Hoffman, owner of Montreal-based Aerospace Concepts. Together, they offer customers a seamless process on the purchase, conversion and completion of a Phoenix CRJ business aircraft. Johnston’s role will be to ensure that the conversion is legally compliant, it meets international standards and that contracts are water tight. He will also be focused on structuring the after sales support programs for the Phoenix CRJ.

“I am absolutely delighted to be back working in the aviation industry, especially on such an interesting and challenging venture as Project Phoenix. As we saw at EBACE last month, conversions of regional jet aircraft are very much in vogue and the team we have at Project Phoenix, including many former Bombardier executives, is the most experienced in the business.”

Andrew joins the company from business consultancy Links Group Dubai, where he advised new businesses on the support and infrastructure needed to be successful.

Joining the Royal Australian Navy at 16 Andrew became a ship and helicopter navigator flying mainly in the Sikorsky Seahawks and Westland Sea Kings. He retired 20 years later as Deputy Fleet Aviation Officer responsible for all the Navy’s aviation assets at sea. This included controlling 23 aircraft on 12 different ships from the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia during multi-national exercises His experience completing audits and inspections for compatibility and compliance will be invaluable in his new role which requires extensive attention to detail.

Andrew also worked for the Victorian State Government in Australia on its aviation progamme and was instrumental in the formation of the National ITS Centre, renowned for promoting transport technology to businesses around the world.

Outside the office Andrew is a touch rugby referee and is hoping to initiate a regular touch rugby competition in Dubai as well as coach other referees. He’s also a Toastmaster and is finalising an MBA in Aviation Management.

Jet Asia of Macau will be the first operator to fly the Project Phoenix VIP-configured Bombardier CRJ-200 on behalf of owner Ritz Pacific Ltd. This aircraft, currently undergoing an exhaustive maintenance work package, is about to enter the completion centre phase of its refurbishment and will join Jet Asia’s fleet early next year.

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