Island Air Expands and Promotes Leadership Team

Island Air has expanded its leadership team by adding a new senior vice president of operations and promoting two directors to vice presidents.

“As part of Island Air’s focus on growing our airline and improving operations at all levels, we are continuing to build a strong leadership team,” said David Uchiyama, president and CEO of Island Air.

“David Lindskoog, Dee Airman and George Nichols have extensive experience in the airline industry and they fully understand what it takes to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the airline on a daily basis, while also planning for future growth and expansion to meet customer needs and changing travel trends.”

David Lindskoog, Senior Vice President of Operations

David Lindskoog has been named senior vice president of operations for Island Air. Courtesy photo.

David Lindskoog has 35 years of experience in airline operations, including 16 years of line flying and 19 years in airline management.

Throughout his career, he has served as a key member of the management teams for various airlines including Copa Airlines, North American Airlines and ATA Airlines, successfully effecting changes to streamline operations, improve standards and training, ensure regulatory compliance, foster better safety culture, improve labor relations and implement new systems and technologies.

He has been responsible for flight operations, including scheduling, flight training and standards for pilots, dispatchers and crew members.

In addition, Lindskoog has guided airlines through major transitions, including moving from a charter company to a major scheduled-service airline, as well as overseeing workforce growth and training relating to the introduction of new aircraft fleet.

He also served as senior director of safety at TransPac Aviation Academy.

William “Dee” Airman, Vice President of Administration, Safety and Security

William “Dee” Airman has been promoted to vice president of administration, safety and security for Island Air. Courtesy photo.

William “Dee” Airman has more than 30 years of experience in aviation leadership and safety and security management.

For the past two years, Airman served as Island Air’s director of safety, security and quality assurance.

During that time, he led Island Air through the successful completion of its first International Air Transportation Association Operational Safety Audit, which is the global benchmark for operational safety management in the airline industry.

He also led the airline through its first successful codeshare safety review with United Airlines. Part of his new responsibilities will be to oversee human resources and elevate the airline’s training curriculum.

Airman has extensive experience in domestic and international flight operations, having held management and director-level positions in safety, security, regulatory compliance and systems operations for airlines including Northwestern Airlines, Porter Airlines, flydubai, Emirates and Champion Air.

A United States Air Force Academy graduate, Airman served as an Air Force commander, instructor and research pilot for 28 years.

George Nichols, Vice President of Information Technology

George Nichols has been promoted to vice president of information technology for Island Air. Courtesy photo.

George Nichols has been promoted after serving as the airline’s IT director since May 2015.
He now oversees all aspects of the company’s IT systems, including preparing disaster and emergency recovery plans; creating IT security guidelines; managing and preparing the design, development and upgrading of systems and programs; and acquiring computer hardware, software and firmware.

Nichols, who has 26 years of experience in IT and project management, previously worked for American Airlines as a principal project manager responsible for technology and services operations, employee relations, financial management, business strategy and project management.

He has also held leadership and management positions at Cadbury Schweppes, Brink’s Incorporated, ElesticEdge, First Tennessee Mortgage, NationsBank/Bank of America and Computer Support Services, Inc.

Nichols also served in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence.

Island Air offers 238 flights each week between O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island.

Founded in 1980 as Princeville Airways, the company was renamed Island Air in 1992 and has been proudly serving the islands of Hawai‘i for more than 35 years.

For more information about Island Air or to make a reservation, click here or call (800) 652-6541.