Eastern Air Holdings appointed Mark L. Ebanks executive vice president of aircraft management and leasing. Ebanks will lead the development of aircraft leasing and asset management business operations for Eastern Air. He will also oversee the transition and adaptation of Eastern’s Boeing 777 aircraft in both passenger and Express Freighter cargo configurations into the commercial aviation marketplace and will play a role in the placement of these aircraft into Eastern’s B777 Express Freighter service.

During his 35-year career, Ebanks has held leadership roles in strategic and international commercial operations, marketing, asset management and business development across aircraft financing and aviation services. Prior to joining Eastern, he most recently served as chief commercial officer for iAero Thrust. In addition, following a 19-year career with CIT’s aerospace group, Ebanks held senior roles at China Development Bank Aviation and Azorra Aviation.

“We are extremely excited that Mark is joining our leadership team. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from more than two decades of aircraft management, leasing and trading operations,” Steve Harfst, president and CEO of Eastern Air Holdings, said. “Mark will provide strong leadership and play a critical role in shaping the future of our aircraft portfolio, including its commercial outreach promoting our new B777 Express Freighter’s introduction to the market and furthering our commitment to building long-term relationships with airline operators globally.”

Eastern’s B777 Express Freighter will be a fully certified, Class-E cargo aircraft with a main deck capable of carrying volumetric express cargo between large markets such as Asia and the U.S. and other inter-continental and regional markets. The aircraft type is due to enter service in Q1/22.

“I am thrilled to join the Eastern family at such an exciting time in the industry. It’s an honor for me to help lead Eastern’s pioneering efforts within the paradigm shift in the cargo business,” Ebanks said.

Ebanks will work with the teams at Eastern’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Foxtrot Aero (which will be the holder of the Express Freighter STC) and Alta Aero Technic (formerly Florida Modifications Specialists), which is Eastern’s maintenance, repair and overhaul station based in Kansas City, MO.

Ebanks will be based in Eastern’s headquarters in Wayne, PA.