Mike Silvestro

Michael J. “Mike” Silvestro is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Flexjet and is the longest tenured CEO in the fractional private jet industry. Mr. Silvestro, who holds a private pilot’s license, began his aviation career at Flight Options in 2000, where he served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing from 2000 to 2005. Mr. Silvestro left Flight Options after Raytheon Travel Air’s investment that ultimately led to its acquiring majority control of the company. He held a senior position with fractional provider CitationShares from 2005 to 2008. Mr. Silvestro returned to Flight Options as CEO in 2008 after its acquisition by Directional Aviation and helped to lead its recovery after the recession of 2008-09. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Silvestro also helped modernize the Flight Options fleet with a mix of new and refurbished aircraft. In 2013, Mr. Silvestro became CEO of Flexjet after its acquisition from Bombardier Aerospace by Directional Aviation. Mr. Silvestro is also a shareholder of the flying companies under Directional Aviation, whose principal is Kenn Ricci, the chairman of Flexjet. Mr. Silvestro launched other initiatives at Flexjet, including its Red Label premium offering and investment in large-cabin aircraft. He implemented Global Access, which offers access to large-cabin aircraft for long-distance travel, especially intercontinental trips. Flexjet expanded international travel options, including Europe. Additionally, Flexjet began operating private terminals at select airports. Mr. Silvestro graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and played football. He was only one of two non-scholarship players in his freshman class. He was coached by Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, the Notre Dame football player whose story inspired the movie Rudy. In 2023, Silvestro was honored with the Living Legends of Aviation Lifetime Aviation Industry Award, reflecting contributions to the field over an entire career. In addition to his career in aviation, Mr. Silvestro has founded several companies whose products range from polymer technology for athletic footwear to celebrity- endorsed personal products, including Spectrum Sports, a supplier of innersoles for athletic shoes. He has also invented and co-invented products such as an advanced shin guard for protection in football and other contact sports that was patented in 1984. Mr. Silvestro lives in Hudson, Ohio with his family.