Where aviation finds its leaders.
Partner-led retained executive search for airlines, aviation, aerospace, and related industries. Since 1986, Frank Jay & Associates has completed more than 1,100 engagements for organizations shaping the future of flight.
Why Frank Jay & Associates
Leadership decisions shape aviation organizations for years. Our work combines focused industry knowledge, senior partner involvement, and relationships built over four decades.
Aviation specialization
Airlines, aviation, aerospace, MRO, and related services are not one practice among many. They are our entire focus.
Partner-led retained search
Every engagement receives direct senior attention, disciplined research, and thoughtful execution from beginning to completion.
Relationships that deliver
More than 1,100 engagements have built a network and perspective that help clients reach exceptional leaders—and help leaders recognize the right opportunities.
About Frank Jay & Associates
Where aviation finds its leaders.
Since 1986, Frank Jay & Associates has helped aviation organizations identify, attract, and secure the leaders who shape what comes next.
Our firm
Aviation is not a practice area. It is our focus.
For nearly four decades, clients have trusted Frank Jay & Associates with leadership decisions that carry lasting consequences.
Frank Jay & Associates was founded on a straightforward belief: organizations perform better when the right leaders are in the right roles. In aviation, finding those leaders requires more than a broad search network. It requires an understanding of the industry, its operating realities, and the people who move it forward.
We work with airlines, aerospace manufacturers, MRO providers, aviation services companies, private aviation organizations, and related businesses. Every engagement is senior-led, confidential, and grounded in direct market knowledge.
Our boutique structure allows us to stay close to the work and accountable for the outcome. Clients know who is leading the assignment, what the market is telling us, and what comes next.
“The right leader does more than fill a role. The right leader changes what an organization can achieve.”Frank Jay & Associates
The firm is founded.
Frank Jay & Associates begins serving the leadership needs of aviation and related industries.
Executive intelligence begins.
Aviation Executive Monthly launches as a continuing source of leadership and industry perspective.
The mission continues.
Partner-led search, leadership advisory, and market insight support aviation organizations across the ecosystem.
Our leadership
Partners in leadership. Committed to aviation.
Clients work directly with the principals responsible for the assignment—from the first conversation through completion.
Frank M. Jay
Founder & Principal
Frank founded Frank Jay & Associates in 1986 with a commitment to focused industry expertise, direct client service, and long-term relationships.
He remains closely involved in the firm and the leadership conversations that have defined its work for nearly four decades.
Contact FrankSteve Jay
Principal
Steve leads executive search and advisory work across the aviation ecosystem, partnering with clients on critical leadership appointments and transitions.
His approach combines industry perspective, disciplined market work, and candid counsel throughout every engagement.
Contact SteveThe Frank Jay difference
Focused expertise. Direct involvement. Lasting relationships.
Our work is built for consequential leadership decisions—not high-volume recruiting.
01
Aviation-only expertise
Industry focus creates better context, sharper market insight, and more credible conversations with leaders.
02
Partner-led work
Senior partners lead each engagement and remain accountable from mandate definition through completion.
03
Confidential and discreet
Sensitive leadership needs and candidate conversations are handled with judgment and care.
04
Relationships over transactions
We measure success through the leaders placed, the organizations strengthened, and the trust earned over time.
How we help
Leadership support across the aviation ecosystem.
We help clients find, assess, and develop the leadership required for pivotal moments.
Executive Search
Partner-led retained search for senior executives across airlines, aerospace, MRO, aviation services, and related sectors.
Explore executive searchBoard Search
Board directors, committee chairs, and advisory appointments aligned with governance needs and strategic priorities.
Discuss a board mandateLeadership Advisory
Succession planning, executive assessment, market intelligence, and counsel that support better leadership decisions.
Discuss advisory needsAbout the firm
Questions we are often asked.
What makes Frank Jay & Associates different?
We combine aviation-only market focus with a boutique, partner-led model. The principals responsible for the work stay directly involved throughout each engagement.
Which aviation sectors does the firm serve?
We serve airlines, aerospace and aircraft manufacturing, MRO and technical services, aviation services, ground handling, technology, private and business aviation, and related organizations.
What types of leadership roles do you recruit?
Our work includes chief executive, president, C-suite, senior vice president, vice president, functional leadership, and board assignments.
How does a confidential conversation begin?
Contact Frank Jay & Associates to discuss the mandate, timing, business context, and desired outcomes. The initial discussion is confidential and focused on whether we are the right partner for the assignment.
Leadership shapes what comes next.
When the role matters and the outcome is consequential, begin with a direct conversation with a senior partner.
Start a confidential conversation →AVIATION EXECUTIVE SEARCH
The right leaders.
The right roles.
The right future.
Frank Jay & Associates conducts partner-led retained executive search for airlines, aviation, aerospace, MRO, and related industries worldwide. Every engagement combines focused market intelligence, rigorous research, and direct senior-partner involvement.
Retained executive search
Senior-level and board-level search for organizations across the aviation ecosystem.
Board and governance search
Directors, committee chairs, and advisory leaders for public, private, and private equity-backed organizations.
Leadership advisory
Succession planning, executive assessment, and leadership consulting that strengthen the leadership pipeline.
WHO WE SERVE
Across the aviation ecosystem.
Frank Jay & Associates serves organizations whose leadership decisions shape aviation worldwide. Our aviation-only focus gives us the perspective, relationships, and market intelligence to understand each segment—and the leaders who succeed within it.
Airlines
Passenger, cargo, regional, and emerging carriers navigating growth, transformation, and succession.
Aerospace & Manufacturing
Aircraft, engine, component, and systems manufacturers building the future of flight.
MRO & Aviation Services
Maintenance, repair, overhaul, technical services, and aviation support organizations.
Business & Private Aviation
Charter, fractional ownership, aircraft management, and private aviation enterprises.
Airports & Ground Services
Airports, ground handling, catering, training, technology, and infrastructure providers.
Leasing, Investment & Advisory
Aircraft lessors, private equity firms, investors, and professional services supporting aviation.
AVIATION EXECUTIVE SEARCH
The right leaders.
The right roles.
The right future.
Frank Jay & Associates conducts partner-led retained executive search for airlines, aviation, aerospace, MRO, and related industries worldwide. Every engagement combines focused market intelligence, rigorous research, and direct senior-partner involvement.
Retained executive search
Senior-level and board-level search for organizations across the aviation ecosystem.
Board and governance search
Directors, committee chairs, and advisory leaders for public, private, and private equity-backed organizations.
Leadership advisory
Succession planning, executive assessment, and leadership consulting that strengthen the leadership pipeline.