INTRODUCTION
Corporate Governance
At AirX, strong corporate governance forms the foundation of our success. Our Board of Directors brings together a wealth of experience, industry expertise, and strategic vision to guide our growth and innovation. Committed to excellence, our leadership team ensures AirX remains at the forefront of luxury private aviation while upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Below, meet the individuals driving our vision forward – a distinguished group dedicated to shaping the future of AirX and delivering unparalleled value to our clients, partners, and stakeholders.
Board of Directors
CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER
John Matthews
Driven by a lifelong passion for aviation, John B. Matthews, Chairman and Founder of AirX, began his career at just 18, trading aircraft washing for flying lessons and quickly earning his pilot’s license. By 19, he had established his first MRO aviation business, laying the foundation for a remarkable journey in the industry spanning over two decades.
In 2011, John took the helm at AirX, transforming the company from near administration with €8 million in sales into a €150 million leader in private aviation by the end of 2024. Achieving a 26% CAGR, he expanded the team from 11 to over 400 employees and eliminated substantial debt unaided. With a forecast of €205 million in sales, €41 million in EBITDA, and €17 million in cash generation for 2025, AirX is poised for continued success with John’s entrepreneurial vision and commitment to operational excellence.
Houssam Hazzoury
GROUP CEO
Houssam brings over 23 years of operational experience in the aviation industry. Since joining AirX in 2013, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s operations. Before being appointed Group CEO, he led AirX’s operational strategy, ensuring excellence in service and efficiency. A certified Flight Dispatch License holder and Accountable Manager, Houssam combines technical expertise with leadership to drive the company’s continued success.
Friedrich Baldinger
CEO
Friedrich has led AirX as CEO since 2016, following his tenure as COO from 2014. With a strong background in aviation, he previously held a key role at Elytra Charter and is a qualified pilot. As an integrated Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) holder, Friedrich combines hands-on expertise with strategic leadership to drive AirX’s growth and operational excellence.
Abigail Bartolo
GROUP FINANCIAL DIRECTOR
With over 19 years of experience in finance and accounting, Abigail, a Certified Public Accountant, oversees AirX’s financial operations with a focus on growth, operational excellence, and value creation. Before entering the private aviation sector in 2016, she built a distinguished career at top-tier and Big Four audit firms in Malta, Luxembourg, and New York, specialising in financial reporting, compliance, and strategic planning.
Senior Management Team & Post-holders
Captain Joe Aguis
NOMINATED PERSON FOR FLIGHT OPERATIONS
With a 50-year aviation career and over 19,000 flight hours, Joe serves as the Nominated Person for Flight Operations at AirX. Starting as a cadet pilot with Air Malta in 1974, he advanced to Captain on the Boeing 737-200 and later held leadership roles, including Chief Pilot for the AVRO RJ fleet and General Manager of Flight Operations at Air Malta. Qualifications include Aviation Security Manager and Instructor, SAFA Inspector, and Type Rating Instructor/Examiner.
Bassem El Soueidi
NOMINATED PERSON FOR GROUND OPERATIONS
Bassem oversees all aspects of flight operations, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance across FAA, CAR, EASA, CASA, and other global aviation standards. His extensive experience includes roles as a Performance Engineer, Security Manager, Dangerous Goods Consultant, and advanced Flight Dispatch Instructor.
Steven Schembri
NOMINATED PERSON FOR CONTINUING AIRWORTHINESS
Steven Schembri serves as the Nominated Person for Continuing Airworthiness at Air X. Since joining in 2018, he previously held the roles of Head of Planning and Engineering and CAMO Engineer. He oversees the continuing airworthiness policy of the Air X fleet, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Prior to joining AirX, Steven held roles as a continuing airworthiness engineer an education background in mechanical engineering.
Captain Gregory Jadin
NOMINATED PERSON FOR CREW TRAINING
With over 30 years of aviation experience, Gregory is AirX’s Director of Flight Operations and Nominated Person for Crew Training. Since 2014, he has overseen the setup of Boeing 737 BBJ operations, served as Chief Fleet Captain, Instructor, and Examiner, and held roles as NPFO and Deputy NPFO. His global experience includes establishing Boeing 737 cargo operations in Malaysia, managing a flight training school in Belgium, and flying as Captain for Brussels Airlines, Virgin Express, and TNT Airlines.
Pamela Borg
SAFETY & COMPLIANCE MONITORING MANAGER
With over 15 years of aviation experience, Pamela leads AirX’s Safety and Compliance Monitoring Unit. Her career began at Lufthansa Technik Malta, where she spent a decade specialising in maintenance for Airbus A320, A330, and A340 aircraft, earning her B2 license. Pamela has since held key roles, including CAMO Engineer and Deputy CAM, before becoming Safety and Compliance Monitoring Manager for Airworthiness.