Derek DeCross Archives | Corporate Jet Investor https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/people/derek-decross/ Events | News | Opinions Tue, 14 May 2024 16:12:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Signature Aviation makes LAX FBO 100% sustainable with blended SAF https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/news/signature-aviation-makes-lax-fbo-100-sustainable-with-blended-saf https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/news/signature-aviation-makes-lax-fbo-100-sustainable-with-blended-saf#respond Tue, 14 May 2024 15:36:00 +0000 https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/?post_type=news&p=150381 World’s largest operator of private jet terminals Signature Aviation announced that it has replaced all their jet fuel with a 30% blend of eco-friendly sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made by Neste at its Los Angeles facility (KLAX). The Los Angeles facility joins Signature’s San Francisco FBO which has already made the switch to 100% SAF. ... Signature Aviation makes LAX FBO 100% sustainable with blended SAF

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World’s largest operator of private jet terminals Signature Aviation announced that it has replaced all their jet fuel with a 30% blend of eco-friendly sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made by Neste at its Los Angeles facility (KLAX).

The Los Angeles facility joins Signature’s San Francisco FBO which has already made the switch to 100% SAF.

“This is a transformative time for Signature, and our partnership with Neste is helping us take another significant step towards net zero by providing a 100% supply of blended SAF at our Los Angeles location,” said Derek DeCross, company’s chief commercial officer.

“This collaboration exemplifies how we’re working together with both our guests and our partners to accelerate the adoption of environmentally friendly practices and paving the way for a more sustainable future in aviation.”

Signature said that customers who don’t want to pay the SAF price that it won’t affect them as the premium will be transferred to the book and claim system.

The system allows customers to buy SAF credits at any Signature location globally, paying the price difference. They’ll get environmental credit, but the actual eco-friendly fuel will be used by another plane elsewhere, like in Los Angeles where it’s available.

The operator recently passed the 30m gallon mark in terms of total SAF delivered throughout its network.

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Signature installs first BETA Technologies charger, more to come https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/news/signature-installs-first-beta-technologies-charger-more-to-come https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/news/signature-installs-first-beta-technologies-charger-more-to-come#respond Thu, 07 Mar 2024 13:24:57 +0000 https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/?post_type=news&p=149545 Signature Aviation’s FBO at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is now home to a BETA Technologies-designed electric aircraft charger. The private aviation terminal operator has partnered with BETA to install the charging infrastructure currently at three on-airport locations across the US east coast. In addition to the multimodal charging station at Manchester-Boston, there are two more signed ... Signature installs first BETA Technologies charger, more to come

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Signature Aviation’s FBO at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is now home to a BETA Technologies-designed electric aircraft charger.

The private aviation terminal operator has partnered with BETA to install the charging infrastructure currently at three on-airport locations across the US east coast. In addition to the multimodal charging station at Manchester-Boston, there are two more signed agreements in place for Frederick Municipal Airport and the Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport. Discussions are also in progress for additional locations, according to BETA. The two additional sites are forecasted to be online this summer.

Derek DeCross, chief commercial officer for Signature Aviation said: “We are thrilled to further solidify our partnership with BETA, which underscores our unwavering commitment to shaping the future of aviation through our sustainability initiatives in Signature Renew. Today’s announcement is indicative of a transformative time for Signature, with our recent visual identity update focused on delivering innovative hospitality across every element of the guest journey.

“Together with BETA, we’re not only creating greater access to electric aviation but also unlocking new possibilities in regional air mobility for our guests, all while championing sustainability and innovation in the aviation industry.”

The infrastructure, which can charge both aircraft and electric vehicles, will be open to the public. BETA used an international standard (CCS) to ensure compatibility with BETA’s own all-electric aircraft, other developers’ electric aircraft, and ground EVs.

Nate Ward, BETA’s head of Network Development said: “As one of the leading private terminal operators anywhere in the world, Signature takes a forward-leaning approach to best serve their broad base of aviators. We’re excited to partner with Signature as they prepare for what comes next, and install infrastructure to enable modernisation as aviation continues to evolve. BETA has long been focused on building a reliable, accessible network of chargers for aircraft, and this collaboration represents another important pathway toward scaling our network.”

The new Signature sites join BETA’s growing network of chargers across the US. The firm has chargers online in 19 locations, with another 50 sites in the permitting or construction process. The network spanning from Vermont to Florida and across to Arkansas includes chargers purchased by the Department of Defense, regional and state-owned airports, other electric aircraft developers and FBOs.

MHT Airport Director Ted Kitchens said: “Manchester is emerging as one of the top high-tech hubs in the Northeast, and we are honoured that Manchester-Boston Regional Airport was chosen as Signature and BETA’s first operational electric aviation site. This interoperable charging station will help enable Manchester and southern New Hampshire to have better access to electric aviation, which will bring us better regional air mobility as we move into this exciting new era of electric transportation.”

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Signature partners with Lavazza to elevate the coffee experience https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/news/signature-partners-with-lavazza-to-elevate-the-coffee-experience https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/news/signature-partners-with-lavazza-to-elevate-the-coffee-experience#respond Fri, 29 Sep 2023 16:34:33 +0000 https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/?post_type=news&p=146600 Signature Aviation announces a partnership with Lavazza, the world-renowned coffee brand. The collaboration will bring the exceptional taste and quality of Lavazza’s coffee to over 150 Signature Aviation locations in the United States for an initial rollout this autumn. Today is National Coffee Day in the USA and Canada. The new partnership with Lavazza marks ... Signature partners with Lavazza to elevate the coffee experience

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Signature Aviation announces a partnership with Lavazza, the world-renowned coffee brand. The collaboration will bring the exceptional taste and quality of Lavazza’s coffee to over 150 Signature Aviation locations in the United States for an initial rollout this autumn. Today is National Coffee Day in the USA and Canada.

The new partnership with Lavazza marks a significant milestone in Signature Aviation’s commitment to delivering a consistent and exceptional experience across its extensive network of private aviation terminals. By introducing Lavazza across its U.S. network, Signature Aviation aims to create a familiar and premium coffee  brand and experience for their travellers from terminal to terminal, matching the elevated service standards travellers have come to expect while visiting a Signature location.

“Signature Aviation is passionate about consistently delivering an exceptional customer experience, and we’re always looking for opportunities to further elevate this experience.” Shared Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer for Signature Aviation. “As one key step, we sought to reimagine our coffee program from the ground up with new technology and a world-renowned partner such as Lavazza. Together, we’re bringing a unique offering to private aviation, with excellence and precision in every cup.”

Earlier this year, Signature Aviation began an initial reimagining of its network coffee program with the installation of new, high-end machines at every location. These bean-to-cup machines will ensure that every cup of Lavazza coffee served will be prepared to perfection, following Lavazza’s exacting standards for taste and consistency.

As part of this collaboration, Signature Aviation will offer two distinct Lavazza coffee roasts to its customers: Gran Riserva, a rich and bold dark roast, and Gold Selection, a smooth and inviting light roast. Both options will be available in whole bean format. In addition, Signature Aviation will provide Lavazza’s Gran Riserva coffee for aircraft service and pilots. Decaffeinated coffee options will also be available upon request.

The partnership between Signature Aviation and Lavazza promises to set a new industry standard for coffee excellence at private aviation terminals, and this initial rollout will be followed by an expansion to all of Signature’s global locations in the near future.

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Signature Aviation appoints new COO and CCO https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/news/signature-aviation-appoints-new-coo-and-cco https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/news/signature-aviation-appoints-new-coo-and-cco#respond Wed, 28 Jun 2023 17:23:02 +0000 https://www.corporatejetinvestor.com/?post_type=news&p=145028 Signature Aviation has appointed Brad Williams as its new chief operating officer (COO) and promoted Derek DeCross to chief commercial officer (CCO). The company is centralising its field operations and commercial functions across the organisation under each respective leader. This move is part of Signature’s continued efforts to streamline its structure, remain competitive and deliver ... Signature Aviation appoints new COO and CCO

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Signature Aviation has appointed Brad Williams as its new chief operating officer (COO) and promoted Derek DeCross to chief commercial officer (CCO). The company is centralising its field operations and commercial functions across the organisation under each respective leader.

This move is part of Signature’s continued efforts to streamline its structure, remain competitive and deliver a great customer experience by investing in people, products and services that differentiate and keep it on top of the private aviation industry.

“We have been on a journey to transform our business by launching a multi-year strategy to enable a high-performing team, place safety at the forefront, deliver an elevated customer experience, and invest in sustainability,” said Tony Lefebvre, CEO, Signature Aviation. “Brad and Derek are experienced leaders who have a proven track record that will shape Signature’s future, as well as our industry.”

Brad Williams

Williams is responsible for all field operations, workforce optimisation, safety and security and continuous improvement for more than 200 bases globally. He most recently served as senior vice president of Corporate Store Operations and Restaurants for 7‑Eleven, where he was responsible for more than 4,900 fuel sites, 5,300 corporate-operated stores, and 900 restaurant locations.  Williams joined 7‑Eleven as part of the Sunoco acquisition in 2018. At Sunoco, he held the position of executive vice president of Operations where he was responsible for all corporate-operated convenience stores, Laredo Taco Company restaurants, real estate, and new business development. Prior to joining Sunoco, Williams was COO at L Catterton private equity firm’s Mid-Atlantic Convenience Stores. He also spent more than 13 years at The Pantry, as a member of the senior leadership team, where he last held the position of senior vice president of Operations.

Derek DeCross

DeCross has been promoted to CCO, having previously served as senior vice president of Customer Engagement. In his new role, DeCross will be responsible for delivering an exceptional customer experience across Signature’s global network of private aviation terminals, aligning business strategies with market demands, and optimising revenue through Signature’s loyalty, marketing, sales, and revenue management initiatives.

He joined Signature from IHG Hotels & Resorts, where he served as senior vice president, Global Sales, with responsibility for implementing a world-class sales experience across IHG’s portfolio of 17 brands, including over 6,000 hotels and resorts in more than 100 countries. During his tenure, he represented IHG across the industry as a member of the US Travel & Tourism Advisory Board, the Business Travel News Advisory Board and the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Board.

Prior to IHG, DeCross spent 20 years with American Airlines across a multitude of commercial and financial functions, including senior leadership positions in revenue management, financial analysis, digital marketing, loyalty, and Global Sales. In his last position, as vice president of Global Sales, he led American’s global sales team and developed all sales and distribution policies worldwide, while spearheading American’s relationships with corporate customers and travel agencies.

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