Aviation Technology Group’s (ATG) Chairman and CEO, George Bye, has announced the addition of Charlie Johnson, former President and COO of Cessna Aircraft Company, to the team as Executive Vice President of Operations effective December 1, 2004.

“Charlie is a proven and respected leader in the aviation industry,” said George Bye, President and CEO of Aviation Technology Group, Inc. “We are honored to have him join us and look forward to Charlie’s contributions to developing and certifying the Javelin.”

As Executive Vice President of Operations, Johnson will report directly to Bye.  Johnson’s responsibilities will include overseeing Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management and Flight Operations. Johnson joins Horst Bergmann, who also recently joined ATG’s executive management team.

“I’m looking forward to the new challenge of playing a key role in this project,” said Johnson. “The Javelin is a very exciting plane. I feel it’s a privilege to be a part of this great team.”

Johnson began his aviation career after completing U.S. Air Force pilot training in 1968.  Following his military career flying the F-105, Johnson was chief pilot for Arnold Palmer from 1972-1975. From there he joined Gates Learjet where he was Chief of Production Flight Test. In 1979, Johnson joined Cessna as manager of production flight test. He served in a variety of positions in quality control and product support before being named Vice President, Aircraft Completion and Product Support in 1988. He was promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations in 1993, Executive Vice President of Operations in 1995, and was named President and Chief Operating Officer in 1997. Johnson retired from Cessna in 2003.

FMI: www.avtechgroup.com