John Graber To Join Global Aviation As Chief Executive Officer

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga., June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Peachtree City, Georgia-based Global Aviation Holdings Inc., the largest commercial provider of charter air services to the US Military and a major provider of worldwide commercial global passenger and cargo air transportation services, announced today that John Graber will join the company as its new Chief Executive Officer and a member of its Board of Directors, effective Monday, June 17.

James Lachance, Chairman of Global Aviation Holdings' Board of Directors, said, "We are excited to have an executive of John's talent and experience join Global as its CEO.  John's combination of senior leadership, experience in the aviation, charter and freight businesses, and his successful track record, make him an ideal leader for Global and its two airlines, World Airways and North American Airlines.  We are confident that John's passion for the industry and vision will strengthen Global's ability to serve its military and commercial customers successfully."

Over his career, Mr. Graber has led successful turnarounds for several major companies. He most recently served as President of CHC Helicopter Services, where he grew revenues and simplified the corporate structure. Prior to CHC, he was president of ABX Air, where his team completely restructured the company into a profitable enterprise when it faced a sharp drop in customer demand.

He has an M.B.A. Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame and has extensive military experience, including being decorated for his service in Operation Desert Storm. He began his civilian aviation career as a pilot for Pan American World Airways, flying for Pan Am Express. 

Mr. Graber remarked, "I am humbled to be chosen for this opportunity and excited to lead the excellent team at Global. There are numerous opportunities for Global, World and North American to grow and create value for all stakeholders, including customers, employees, creditors and shareholders."

Charlie McDonald will continue to serve as President of Global. "The Board is grateful to Charlie for his leadership, steady hand and hard work during these few months as Interim CEO and looks forward to working with him for many years to come," said Mr. Lachance.

Global Aviation Holdings Inc. is the parent company of North American Airlines and World Airways.  North American Airlines, founded in 1989, operates passenger charter flights using B767-300ER aircraft.  World Airways, founded in 1948, operates cargo and passenger charter flights using B747-400 and MD-11 aircraft. For more information, visit http://www.glah.com, http://www.flynaa.com, and http://www.woa.com.

SOURCE Global Aviation Holdings Inc.