Hawthorne Global Aviation Services today announced that ExcelAire, its private jet charter and management company, has hired a significant air charter veteran as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Joining ExcelAire with more than 15 years of diverse corporate aviation experience and more than 15 years of diverse corporate aviation experience in both Part 91 and Part 135 operations, as well as a proven track record of successful business development, is Mr. Keith Ruggirello.  Prior to ExcelAire, Ruggirello served as Vice President of Management Sales at Priester Aviation (Teterboro, NJ) and as Vice President at Key Air (Oxford, Conn). He was also Business Development Manager for Universal Weather and Aviation (Houston).

“Keith’s dedication to his clients, passion for aviation and his strong track record of success make him a great addition to the ExcelAire team,” said Greg Brinkman, president of ExcelAire. “We are growing quickly and Keith’s appointment will help us continue to build on this momentum and growth in our private jet charter and aircraft management business.”

In addition to his extensive sales experience offering aircraft management and global charter services, Mr. Ruggirello served as a Dispatcher for Part 135 operations and had held a Commercial Pilot’s rating since 1992.

His commitment to the aviation industry had led him to actively participate in various industry groups including serving as the former President of Aviation Professionals Sharing Information (APSI).

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Science from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

A Hawthorne Global Aviation Services company, ExcelAire is one of the nation’s leading private jet charter firms, specializing in worldwide jet charters, aircraft management, maintenance and sales. The company maintains office and hangar space at Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), with 9 jet aircraft based throughout the Northeast and Midwest available for worldwide charter.