Priester Aviation names Ropp President

By Doug Gollan, February 8, 2022

Charter operator and management company Priester Aviation hires ex-Jet Linx St. Louis President Rich Ropp after Andy Priester named Chairman

Priester Aviation is going outside the family to name a president. Veteran business aviation executive Rich Ropp enters that role for the Chicago-based charter operator and management company.

Ropp is a 30-year veteran of aircraft management and aviation sales.

“Rich enhances our team as a proven leader and developer of talent,” says Andy Priester, Chairman and CEO of Priester Aviation. “We pride ourselves on the level of service we deliver to our clients daily and the relationships we’ve built with industry professionals to ensure that. Rich’s experience and dedication to that commitment will continue to benefit our clients and the company.”

Ropp takes over the role of President, most recently held by Andy Priester before his ascension to the Chairman position in late 2021. Andy Priester is the third generation to lead the company founded in 1945 by his grandfather, George.

“Joining a company with such a foundation and history of success is a great honor,” says Ropp. “Priester is an aviation company with a legacy that lives up to its values. The experience of its team and longevity with the company is a testament to the excellence Priester delivers.”

Ropp’s experience includes opening St. Louis for Jet Linx Aviation and executive roles at Jet Aviation and FlyExclusive.

His experience includes driving aircraft management and jet card membership, developing and executing strategic plans, and building up teams.

Priester suspended sales of its jet card last year. However, it is expected to restart sometime during 2022.

Priester holds ARGUS Platinum rating, Wyvern Registered, IS-BAO Stage III and Air Charter Safety Foundation certifications.

Related Articles

Visit DG Amazing Experiences

Find the perfect solution for your private aviation needs

Make the right decision

If you want a program-by-program comparison of more than 250 products from more than 50 companies covering 65 points of differentiation and over 40,000 data points.

Safety
Flexibility
Pricing
Aircraft
Stability