Meet The Experts: Mike Ryan - Chief Strategy Officer

Here at SHY Aviation, our team has an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of private aviation. This enables us to provide you with the finest experience possible to ensure your private jet charters are the safest, most private, convenient and efficient way to travel. Every time, and no matter what the purpose of your journey.

Discover the experts behind our expertise and benefit from their extensive private jet charter expertise. In this article, we feature our Chief Strategy Officer, Mike Ryan, and delve into what he has learnt from more than 30 years spent working in aviation.

I went to school in Lancashire followed by Cardiff University where I studied mechanical Engineering. I had always been interested in travelling and working in an area that got me there was the ideal solution.

In my early career I designed and sold helicopter landing systems followed by selling and leasing the BAE 146, a 100 seat regional jet in Africa, Middle East and Europe. In 2004 I moved into the private aviation sector Selling Charter for an airline in Southampton.

I then moved into operating aircraft raising funds on the stock market and obtaining the first single engine Air Operating Certificate in the UK.

In 2009 I co-founded one of the most successful on-line private aircraft charter companies and in 2020 brought my experience to SHY setting the future strategy for the company.

My main role is to set the strategy for the company's growth and ensure that there are processes in place to make it happen.

I set up SHY's innovative online private jet charter booking platform linked to a CRM system that helps draw the data needed to run the business. Day to day, I undertake the data analysis for the company creating opportunities for the company.

More recently, I have also taken on a recruitment role to ensure SHY attracts the very best talent in the private aviation industry. 

I have been in Aviation for over 30 years, starting off designing helicopter landing systems and then selling and leasing 100-seater commuter aircraft in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

For the last 12 years, I have worked in private aviation with roles setting up private jet charter brokerages and have set up my own airline, being accepted by UK Civil Aviation Authority as an accountable manager fit to operate.

I am Chairman of the Broker arm of the European Business Aviation Association.

SHY Aviation is also a member of the North American Business Aviation Association and the Air Charter Association.

I think that would have to be the creation of Avinode; a company linking the private jet charter Brokers to the Operators.

Here at SHY, we have an API feed from Avinode into our innovative online booking platform which enables us to get swift, accurate quotations for specific aircraft.

Most certainly, Hybrid electric aircraft, followed by those that will be Hydrogen powered.

The quest for sustainability is going to continue to be an incredible journey for the whole industry. 

Ensure you have a comprehensive knowledge of the types of aircraft in the market and their capabilities.

If you can talk to clients confidently and accurately about their jet charter options you will gain trust and keep a client for life.

Can I use 5?

High-Tech with white gloves.

It would have to be Londolozi game reserve in South Africa.

Viewing Leopards in this landscape is one of the most incredible experiences imaginable. 

My passport. Its quite difficult to get in and out of countries without one!

Reggie is my working cocker spaniel who regularly visits the office.

His ball retrieval is spectacular and can leap over 15 feet to catch!

SHY Aviation is an industry-leading provider of global private aviation solutions including private jet charter, group charter, and helicopter transfers. The expertise of our team and our access to the finest aircraft and the world's premier operators ensures we deliver the most convenient, private, safe and luxurious private travel experiences possible.