APP Jet Center announced the appointment of Eric Hietala as Chief Operating Officer, effective April 6, 2026, as the aviation services company continues its expansion under new ownership.
Hietala will oversee all aspects of the company’s fixed-base operator (FBO) operations and support the growth of its national network. He will also join the executive leadership team, reinforcing the company’s strategic push to scale operations and enhance service delivery.
The appointment comes shortly after APP Jet Center’s acquisition by Bain Capital and follows the recent hiring of a new Chief Financial Officer, signaling a broader effort to strengthen leadership as the company targets significant growth.
Hietala brings extensive experience in business aviation, with a strong background in operational leadership, safety, customer service, and workforce development. Prior to joining APP Jet Center, he served as a consultant within the aviation sector. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at Signature Aviation, including Senior Vice President of Airport Property Development and Senior Vice President of the West Region, where he oversaw 68 FBO locations and more than 1,500 employees.
He holds an undergraduate degree from San Francisco State University and a Juris Doctor from San Francisco Law School. Hietala was admitted to the California State Bar in 1989 and began his career practicing insurance and tort law before transitioning into aviation. He is also a licensed private pilot with a single-engine land rating.
APP Jet Center operates a network of FBOs and airport real estate assets across key U.S. markets, including Florida, Washington, D.C., California, and Colorado. The company is aiming to expand to more than 30 locations as part of its long-term growth strategy.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are delighted to welcome Eric as our new COO. In the few short weeks since we closed the acquisition of APP Jet Center on March 10th, and with Eric joining the team, we now have an exceptional leadership team in place to deliver operational excellence, and growth.”
Mark Johnstone, CEO of APP Jet Center
“I’m truly excited to be joining APP Jet Center at the start of our growth journey. I’m looking forward to partnering with Mr. Johnstone, Bain Capital and the entire APP Jet Center team as we look to grow to a 30+ location network.”
Eric Hietala, Chief Operating Officer of APP Jet Center
