Matthieu de Varax

Odi-sé Avocats

Matthieu is the founder and managing partner of Odi-sé Avocats. He has more than 25 years of experience of advising lenders, lessors, manufacturers and airlines on all legal aspects of aircraft operation, maintenance, finance and leasing. He is a recognized expert in business aviation, having acted on the purchase, disposal, financing and operation of all types of business jets in a great variety of jurisdictions across the globe.

In addition, Matthieu has developed a niche practice in the outsourcing of aircraft and aviation related services by State authorities. He drafted the first public-private partnership contract ever awarded by the French State, in relation to the provision of helicopter flight hours to the French light aviation training centre at Dax. He has since advised sponsors and lenders on most of the defense PPP contract tenders issued by the French MoD.

Matthieu is a member of the Legal and European Affairs Sub-Committee of the Associated Member Advisory Council of the European Business Aviation Association.

Matthieu de Varax is ranked in Band 2 by Chambers and Partners and in Band 3 by Legal 500 among leading aviation finance lawyers for France.

Bernard Fragner

GlobeAir

Bernhard started his aviation career more than 15 years ago. Today an experienced Chief Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the aviation industry. Strong entrepreneurship, balanced leader professionally skilled in operations management.

A passionate aviator himself, Bernhard is a strong believer in revolutionizing short-haul travelling by applying the air taxi model, which maximizes aircraft utilization along with reliable IT support. With these objectives and a strong focus on customer service, he became one of the first movers in the air taxi industry operating the world’s largest homogeneous fleet of Textron Citation Mustang, currently counting 20 jets and growing.

Bernhard is driven by his personal mantra ‘Passion into Profession’ and pushes his team to new limits each day, making sure customer service – one of the main pillars of his business model – is performed with extreme precision and care to exceed clients´ expectations.

During the last ten years, Bernhard has managed to position GlobeAir as an innovative market leader in Europe, providing clients with a newly enriched experience in customer care.

Bernhard graduated as a civil engineer in mechanical plant design from Vienna University and attended an MBA aviation management program at the Blue Danube University in Krems, Austria. Furthermore, he holds an EASA ATPL license, including a type rating instructor and examiner authorization. After having worked as a commercial director in industrial plant design for several years, he trained in all EASA post holder management positions.

Bernhard has been awarded several prestigious awards for his success; the Flight Safety award by EBAA in 2015, the price for the best performing Austrian exporting business in 2016, Austrian Pegasus award for best business in 2016 and recently for the best business jet operator award in 2017 and lifetime achievement in aviation by Sapphire.

Adrian Jones

Tax Director, Martyn Fiddler Aviation

Adrian Jones is a director of Martyn Fiddler Aviation and a Chartered Tax Advisor. Adrian joined the team in 2014 and spearheaded the tax consultancy division of the business. Having worked for over 20 years’ in customs, government, leading tax advisory firms and his own business, Adrian has used his combined experience to tailor the services he provides to clients and their yachts and aircraft.

Adrian’s attention to detail together with his extensive knowledge of VAT rules relating to yachts and aircraft allows him to customise advice to each client’s individual circumstances to ensure maximum compliance with all applicable rules. His success has led to Adrian being appointed by his peers as the only non-US member of the NBAA Tax Committee. Similar peer recommendation has led to Adrian holding positions on tax committees in the EU and UK.

Heather Gordon

Legal Director, Martyn Fiddler Aviation

Heather Gordon is Legal Director at Martyn Fiddler Aviation. Heather joined the team in 2013 having previously practiced within a leading Isle of Man law firm’s aviation practice since 2007. Heather holds graduate and post graduate degrees in law and studied internationally for her MBA.

Coming from an aviation family, Heather is devoted to the industry and has on occasion been described as a ‘spotter’. Her enthusiasm is translated into her work and as a result she is often asked to speak at conferences and seminars internationally on Isle of Man corporate and aviation matters.

Derek Thomson

Commercial Director and Accountable Manager, Air Charter Scotland

Derek Thomson is the Commercial Director and Accountable Manager for Air Charter Scotland Europe. He has more than 25 years’ aviation experience, working in rotary and fixed wing aircraft operations and sales, as well as FBO airport handling and operations.

During his time at Air Charter Scotland, Derek has been involved in the transition from piston twin aircraft and turboprops, to today’s all jet fleet, ranging from the Citation C525 through to the Falcon 7X. With a now fully worldwide operation, Derek recently took over the role of Accountable Manager for the company’s new European AOC.  He has always had a passion for aviation and took his first solo flight in a helicopter at the age of 19, before going on to obtain his fixed wing Private Pilot’s Licence.

Favourite destination – Dubai. It’s a great destination for our family and we love to explore all it has to offer, including the theme parks and exploring the sand dunes.