October 3, 2023
Chad Davidson, age 29, was Senior Director of Charter Sales at Solairus Aviation. He died in a general aviation accident yesterday.
Solairus Aviation’s Chad Davidson, aged 29, was among three people who died in a general aviation accident yesterday.
Davidson was a Senior Director of Charter Sales.
He had served two stints with Solairus, the most recent for the last eight years.
On its Instagram page, the private jet management and flight provider posted:
It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the untimely passing of our friend and Solairus colleague, Chad Davidson.
Chad, aged 29, lost his life in a general aviation aircraft accident in Massachusetts on Sunday, January 14.
Joining Solairus Charter Sales as a teenager in 2014, “Super Chad”, as he adoringly became known by his teammates, displayed remarkable drive, talent and passion. His exceptional journey led to several well-deserved promotions and the respect and admiration of his co-workers, Solairus’ clients and industry colleagues alike.
Beyond his professional success, Chad was a vibrant and devoted member of his church community, a volunteer, a mentor at his gym and he was actively involved in charitable flights for PALS Airlift Services to help relieve the burden for families experiencing medical hardship. He cherished his dogs and recently celebrated his one-year wedding anniversary with his husband, Eric, who mourns his loss.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time to Chad’s family, friends, peers and students affected by this devastating tragedy.
According to news reports, also losing their lives were William Hampton, 68, of Indian Orchard, and Fredrika Ballard, 53, of Southwick.
Ballard owned the Fly Lugu Flight School, and Hampton was a flight instructor.
Reports say Davidson was a student pilot.
The twin-engine Beechcraft Baron went down in the Leyden Wildlife Management Area near the New Hampshire border, about 100 miles west of Boston.
It had taken off from Barnes Airport in Westfield around 11 am.
Condolences posts from those in the industry who knew Davidson are accumulating quickly.
“What an absolute tragedy! I had the pleasure of meeting Chad this time last year at the NBAA schedulers and dispatchers conference. A bright ray of light with a personality that you had no choice but to love. Praying for Chad and the Solairus family,” wrote Tanner Castillo on Instagram.
Avinode’s Saskia de Jong posted on LinkedIn, “What a terrible news. Chad was so passionate, and I always enjoyed working with him. He will be missed. My condolences to the Solairus team, his family & friends.”
Angela Snyder, a corporate flight attendant, added, “My condolences to the Solairus team and anyone who had the opportunity to know Chad. An amazing individual that will be deeply missed.”
Most recently, Davidson led Solairus in relaunching its jet card program.
In 2022, Solairus ranked as the sixth-largest U.S. operator measured by charter and fractional flight hours.
