Dear All,
Action Aviation was conceived from a visionary idea, and I take immense pride in steering the company towards the realization of its founding vision. Our aspirations extend beyond a passion for aviation and financial success. They embody values such as respect, understanding, dedication, and loyalty to an industry that transcends boundaries and linguistic barriers. We recognize that succeeding in this domain demands proficiency, adaptability, resilience, agility, a sense of humor, and respect for our primary service offering: the business jet.
Central to our ethos is a commitment to delivering unparalleled support to all our clients and prospects, whether in aircraft ownership, private flying, asset management, financing, or resale. Our aim is not merely to set ourselves apart from competitors but to collaborate with discerning clients who seek skilled professionals dedicated to investing their expertise and values, both professionally and personally. Our team of specialists is unwavering in ensuring that every interaction with us is exceptional, from the initial inquiry to the completion of transactions or ongoing asset management.
Despite our achievements, we do not rest on our laurels. Continuously, we strive to innovate and enhance our services to exceed client expectations. Our business relationships, past and present, provide invaluable insights that guide our journey. We express profound gratitude to all our clients and partners for their enduring trust and collaboration. I extend my deep appreciation to our team for their consistent dedication and diligent efforts.
Thank you for choosing Action Aviation.
It would be an honour to cater to your aviation needs, present and future.
Kind regards,
Mark Butler
Mark’s expertise in the aviation industry goes beyond an impressive track record in aircraft transactions. His vast experience and expertise enabled him to navigate the complex world of aviation with both passion and precision. He began his aviation career in 2004 at Cranfield Airport, as Sales Manager responsible for Bell Helicopter sales in the UK. Alongside his professional achievements, Mark’s passion for flying is evident from obtaining his Private Pilot License and from his role as instructor for an airline simulator company teaching members of the public to fly an airliner and how to overcome their fear of flying. In 2008, Mark joined Action Aviation as Sales Director and worked closely with the company’s Founder, Captain Hamish Harding. This signified the early stage of the company, filled with challenges, uncertainties, excitement, and boundless possibilities and potential that accompany any new business endeavor. Through dedication, hard work, and a shared vision, they nurtured the company’s growth and success together. As the years passed, their collaboration flourished, steering Action Aviation towards greater heights in the aviation industry. Mark’s decision to join Captain Harding in this venture served as the beginning of a remarkable partnership that would leave a lasting impact on the industry. Mark’s unwavering dedication continues to propel his success in the field of aviation and his personal pursuits. As the CEO of Action Aviation since November 2023, his dedication has been and remains a pivotal factor in the company’s development and achievements.
Throughout his career, Frederic has committed himself to the aviation industry, with a strong focus on the business aviation sector.He commenced his professional journey at Safran, a French equipment manufacturer, operating in Chicago (USA) and Paris (France).Subsequently, Frederic spent a decade at Airbus, the renowned aircraft manufacturer in Toulouse (France), where he served in various capacities, the last one being Senior Legal Counsel for Aircraft Sales.Between 2009 and 2021, Frederic worked at Comlux, a Swiss company specializing in aircraft sales, management, charter services, and cabin completion. During this time, he oversaw legal, contractual, and commercial aspects across the group’s activities.In 2021, Frederic transitioned to Action Aviation, assuming the role of Executive Director Sales and later being promoted to Managing Director.
Drawing upon decades of commercial and legal expertise within the industry, coupled with a deep enthusiasm and integrity, he is an inherent and essential part of the company.
Shivam Saxena is the Technical Director at Action Aviation, where he supervises aircraft management and supports technical aspects of aircraft sales projects. With 16 years of experience, Shivam is an experienced professional in Aircraft Maintenance & Airworthiness (CAMO) Management, Aircraft Maintenance Planning, and Quality Control. He joined Action Aviation in 2019 as a Sales Support Manager and quickly progressed to Technical Director by January 2021. Prior to his role at Action Aviation, he held regulatory positions for over a decade with major non-scheduled operators in India, managing a diverse fleet of business jets and helicopters.
Shivam holds an MBA in Aerospace Management from Toulouse Business School in France and a General Management certification for Aerospace and Aviation Executives from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Bengaluru, India. Additionally, he is a graduate in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and has completed various specialized aviation training programs.
During the initial phase of his career, James Shepherd started out in the UK defense industry. He first took on roles related to contracts and legal matters, then transitioned into Sales, serving as the Director of Sales and Commercial Manager. During the early 1990s, he resided in Saudi Arabia under UK Government assignments for military contracts with the Saudi Government. James also acted as an Aviation advisor to influential members of the Saudi and Lebanese Governments, facilitating new and pre-owned aircraft transactions, collaborating closely with Bombardier Business Aircraft.
He played a role in the establishment of TAG Aviation on behalf of a Principal Shareholder. From 2010 to 2016, James served as the Managing Director of Time Aviation, the exclusive representative for Bombardier in the sale of Business Jets across Africa, based in Johannesburg. In 2016, he transitioned to ACASS Canada as the Director of Aircraft Sales, overseeing Europe and the Middle East. In April 2024, James became a part of Action Aviation Team.
With a remarkable aviation career spanning military and commercial sectors across five continents over five decades, James brings a wealth of experience to Action Aviation. His appointment as Sales Director underscores his commitment to excellence and industry expertise, further strengthening the company’s trajectory towards continued success and expansion.
Louis Rigondet began his journey in aeronautical engineering at ENAC (Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile) in Toulouse, France. Upon graduation, he joined Comlux in 2018 as a Sales Engineer in Zurich, Switzerland, supporting the sales team. The scope of his work has influenced numerous processes within the company, including marketing, business intelligence and research, contract management, analysis of aircraft operations and exploitation costs, as well as aircraft appraisal, among other areas. He was later promoted to Commercial Director and relocated to Dubai, UAE, to expand the company’s business in the region.
In 2023, Louis transitioned to Action Aviation, working closely with Captain Hamish Harding, the company’s founder. Louis’s profound knowledge, expertise, extensive skill set, dedication, thoughtfulness, and diverse experience make him an essential asset to the company.
Currently, he holds the position of Sales Director for the Middle East, operating from Dubai.
Girik Julka graduated from Modern School Barakhamba Road in New Delhi and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Law from OP Jindal Global University.
Joining Action Aviation as a Legal Associate in 2019, Girik played a key role in overseeing more than 100 transaction closings. His dedication and expertise led to a promotion to Legal Director in 2021.
In 2023, Girik advanced to the position of Sales Director, India, broadening his responsibilities within the company. Actively participating in industry events, he has successfully built a strong client base for Action Aviation. Handling Charter Sales and Operations for the company’s BBJ demonstrates his versatility and hands-on approach to business operations.
Girik’s loyalty and unwavering commitment emphasize his significant contribution to the organization. His proactive involvement and emphasis on nurturing client relationships underscore his pursuit of excellence and service. With a combination of industry expertise and a customer-focused mindset, Girik continues to drive positive results for Action Aviation, embodying professionalism and integrity in all his undertakings.
Hailing from a family deeply rooted in aviation, Michael began his career in 1993, focusing on cosmetic enhancements to assist Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah, Georgia, eventually reaching the position of General Manager of East Coast Operations. This initial role paved the way for more significant positions within premier Green Aircraft Completion Teams for Bombardier product lines at Savannah Air Center. Identifying a need for aviation technicians, an opportunity arose to provide skilled labor and engineers across the United States, leading to the establishment of an aviation staffing company and a sizable interior fabrication and finishing workshop. The business flourished, extending its operations to Dubai, UAE, after achieving remarkable success supporting various leading OEMs and Completion Centers in the US. The businesses were eventually sold in 2016, with Michael continuing as a consultant for two additional years.
With a wealth of experience spanning over 31 years in aviation, Michael’s lineage is deeply intertwined with the industry, as demonstrated by the recognition he has earned from Savannah Air Center and Bombardier for outstanding achievements and more. Apart from his industry roles, Michael is also a United States Navy Operation Specialist and a Desert Storm Veteran.
In 2018, Michael joined Action Aviation, assuming the role of Director of Sales for North America, further enriching his diverse and accomplished career in the aviation industry.