Hugh Parry has resigned from UK independent airline Astraeus Flystar to pursue other business interests.
He is succeeded by Mario Fulgoni, a founding member of the team that set up and established the carrier, who becomes president and CEO.
Astraeus Flystar chairman Thorsteinn Örn Gudmundsson said: “Over the past five years Hugh has played a guiding role in the growth and development of the business.
“However, Hugh will continue to provide support to the Astraeus Flystar board and management team as an advisor. We thank him for his contribution, and we wish him the very best for the future.”
Fulgoni returned to the airline last July as chief operating officer. He played a key role in the development of the business from its launch in 2002 before moving to head training arm Bond Aviation Solutions which was sold to Alpha Aviation late in 2006.
He said: “It has been extremely rewarding to see the growth and establishment of Astraeus, and I am delighted to find myself at the controls at a time when the airline is embarking upon exciting growth and development programmes.”
Gudmundsson added: “The board is planning further growth within the company’s key areas of strength, namely aircraft operational partner, both within and outside the UK, as well as supporting its sister airlines within Northern Travel Holdings (Sterling Airlines and Iceland Express).
“Mario has profound knowledge and experience within the industry and is very well placed to be able to take over the reins and drive that development into the future.”
Astraeus commenced operations in 2002, employs more than 300 people and operates a fleet of Boeing 737 and 757 aircraft from a number of UK airports, flying charter and scheduled route to destinations in North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
by Phil Davies
