Donough Hughes (third from left): 20 years from charter analyst to president of Le Bas International

‘Cornerstone’ Hughes celebrates his 20th anniversary with Le Bas

President of California-based Le Bas International (LBI) Donough Hughes is celebrating his 20th anniversary with the company. Hughes has served as charter analyst, director of special projects and director of sales in the lead up to his current appointment.

CEO Peter Le Bas says: “Today is a very special day for LBI. Our one and only great leader Donough Hughes has survived 20 years of awesome service with LBI in this challenging aviation industry. It was at the very first interview in the cafeteria in the bowels of the old terminal at Shannon Airport, in a land far, far away, that I asked Donough: 'Where do you see yourself in five years?' Without hesitation he confidently replied: 'I want your job.' Sold by his enthusiasm I hired him immediately.

“On 10 May, 1996, in a cold temporary office, a young man – bright eyed, bushy tailed and sporting sideburns Elvis would have been proud of – took up position as charter analyst. Over the following 20 years Donough proved himself to be a cornerstone for LBI. He kept a level head in the most stressful moments and managed to adhere to his now famous catch phrase: 'no charter left behind'.

“Donough worked hard through the ranks to take over my job as president of LBI. Well done Donough, and thank you very much for all you have done for everyone in our company.”

Two employees have also recently celebrated their 10 year anniversaries with the company. Senior account executive Alex Papathanasis, based in the United States, specialises in group air charters and is well known in the industry for his on-site management and coordination of corporate, incentive and conference groups, sports teams and VIP groups. Senior account executive Tony Walker specialises in corporate aviation for incentive houses, premier travel agencies, sports teams and celebrities and is based in Ireland.

Peter Le Bas adds: “At Le Bas we pride ourselves on our client-centered approach to doing business. Alex and Tony share this focus, along with expertise in their individual aviation fields, and we wish them continued success.”

LBI has appointed Brian Fiske as director of marketing. Fiske has considerable industry experience having spent many years as an executive in the private jet charter business, and for the past decade has been assistant professor of aeronautics for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Over the last 35 years Fiske has been a commercial rated pilot, FBO owner and flight instructor. He was instrumental in the expansion of former Californian FBO Petersen Aviation and in TWC Aviation prior to its takeover, and was also co-founder of California-based STAjets. He holds a Master's degree in aeronautical science.

Peter Le Bas says: “Brian's wealth of experience and industry know- ledge has already made him a key addition to the team. We view his appointment as a sign of our commitment to being the leading air charter service provider in the industry. Our new innovations and use of new technology led us to seek an addition to our team who will fit with our ethos of exceptional service and safety. I'm confident that Brian will play a key role in providing and implementing high quality communication between our company, clients and consumer audience with his aviation and education experience.”