Michael J. Mattar
Driving Operational Excellence and Innovation in Aviation Leadership
********@*******.***
www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmattar
Orlando, Florida United States 32828
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A seasoned aviation executive with proven success driving operational excellence and cost-saving strategies in high-stakes environments. Specializing in System Operations Control (SOC), Crew Resources, and Business Process Re-engineering (BPR), I have a strong track record of reducing costs, optimizing operations, and improving performance metrics across multiple airlines. Skilled in project management, strategic sourcing, and vendor relations, with extensive experience implementing and managing airline information systems, including AIMS and IBS. Notable achievements include boosting on-time performance from 28% to 91% at Dynamic International Airways, cutting travel expenses by 67%, and reducing hotel costs by double digits. Adept at managing large budgets, improving crew productivity, and fostering cross-functional communication.
SKILLS
• Aviation Management • Organizational Development • Strategic Planning
• Software Implementation • Sabre CrewTrac, AIMS, IBS • SITA AMS, AODB, ACDM
• Process Optimization • Business Case Development • Regulatory Compliance
• Project Management • Crisis Management • System implementation (SBS, AIMS, IBS)
• Dashboard • Proficient Microsoft office • Training and Mentorship
WORK EXPERIENCE
Consultant for GPE Consulting Group
July 2010 - Present GPE Consulting Group
• Operations Control Centers Management: Played a key role in providing leadership, support, and guidance to optimize operations control centers for clients, effectively enhancing their performance and efficiency.
• Crew Resource Management Implementation: Led the successful implementation of crew resource management programs at client organizations, driving stronger communication, coordination, and teamwork among personnel.
• Software Integration: Ensured seamless integration of new software solutions into client systems, working closely with user groups to maximize usability and operational benefits.
• Process Improvement: Implemented enhancements for significant efficiency and cost savings.
• Interdepartmental Synergy: Fostered collaboration and leveraged synergies among client departments, contributing to overall operational effectiveness and organizational alignment.
• Client Representation: Currently representing several large, globally connected agencies, serving as a trusted advisor and delivering tailored consulting services to meet their specific needs and challenges.
Operations Control Center (OCC) Duty Manager
July 2020 - May 2024 Amerijet International Airline (AJT)
• Operational Support and Expertise: Acted as a technical subject matter expert in the operations control center, providing crucial support for flight control functions and operational decision-making.
• Process Standardization: Played a key role in standardizing procedures, enhancing the accuracy and consistency of operations within the control center and across departments.
• Crisis Management: Led the team in effectively responding to weather-related challenges, optimizing fleet utilization, AOG recovery, and coordinating complex maintenance and crewing issues, ensuring minimal disruption to flight operations.
• Resource Allocation: Authorized and directed the allocation of resources, demonstrating strong decision-making skills to meet Amerijet's flight program requirements efficiently.
• Cross-functional Issue Resolution: Resolved operational issues across teams, improving collaboration and performance.
• Communication and Collaboration: Ensured seamless communication and coordination with critical stakeholders including crew scheduling, maintenance, and ramp personnel, fostering a highly collaborative operational environment.
• Performance Monitoring and Coaching: Proactively monitored team performance, providing recommendations for process enhancements and serving as a mentor to enhance individual and collective capabilities within the control center.
• Strategic Coordination: Regularly interfaced with senior management, employing a strategic mindset to jointly address and preempt potential operational challenges, contributing to the company's overall stability and resilience.
• Restructuring Transition: Managed the transition after a 65% workforce reduction, adapting to a smaller operational capacity.
Consultant
August 2019 - November 2019 MDI Group
• Technical Consulting at SITA: Provided expert guidance and insights in the areas of Airport Management Systems (AMS), Airport Operational Databases (AODB), and Airport Collaborative Decision Making (ACDM) during the engagement with SITA. This contributed to the enhancement of their airport technologies and processes.
Contract Resource Planner
June 2018 - May 2020 Aviation Systems L3 Harris Technologies
• Instructor and Simulator Resource Coordination: Efficiently coordinated resources to meet the demand for students attending classes in four different locations.
• Strategic Reporting: Regularly produced comprehensive reports on instructor and simulator hours, providing valuable insights for optimizing resource allocation and scheduling.
• Financial Accruals Analysis: Demonstrated in-depth forecasting abilities by generating accurate reports on financial accruals, enabling effective budget planning for the following month.
Consultant Director, System Operations Control (SOC) Crew Resources
December 2016 - April 2018 Dynamic International Airways
• FAA Certification: Oversaw operations at Dynamic International Airways, an FAA Part 121 airline with worldwide authority, operating under 14 CFR 380 and actively pursuing flag certification to initiate scheduled services.
• Coordinated Operations: Managed key operational areas including coordination with contracted service providers, scheduling of pilots and flight attendants, aircraft dispatch, and facilitating communication between Crew Scheduling, Dispatch, Stations, Maintenance Control, Customer Service, and Reservations to ensure seamless operations.
• Operational Coordination: Directed and coordinated with contracted service providers at global destinations, facilitating seamless operations between workgroups and achieving improved efficiency across the board.
• Performance Enhancement: Developed and implemented systemic processes that resulted in a significant enhancement of the airline's on-time performance, improving it from 28% to an impressive 91%.
• Process Optimization: Introduced strategic changes to the daily briefing slides, incorporating more relevant information and ensuring effective communication throughout the organization.
• Productivity Improvement: Implemented accountability practices that drove a notable increase in overall productivity, highlighting a keen focus on operational excellence and performance management.
• Cost Reduction: Successfully reduced travel and hotel expenses by 11.75% and 11%, respectively, within the first six months of assuming the role, showcasing strong financial acumen and resource optimization skills.
• Team Development: Significantly enhanced crew scheduling techniques, leading to a 25% boost in crew productivity, and conducted comprehensive training to equip the team with advanced operational skills.
• Vendor Management: Negotiated and secured reduced rates for crew and corporate hotels, demonstrating effective cost control measures and strong negotiation abilities.
• Financial Oversight: Implemented rigorous monitoring and expense authorization processes, curbing unnecessary costs and ensuring adherence to budgetary guidelines on both crew and corporate levels.
• Special Projects: Undertook various special projects, such as preparing ACMI contracts and sourcing new routes, showcasing versatility and a proactive approach to driving operational growth.
• Authorized Operational Expenses: Reviewed and approved daily operational expenses, including fuel invoices, navigation fees, and monthly software charges, ensuring accurate financial management.
Manager of Operations
January 2016 - July 2016 Pan Am International Flight Academy
• Aviation Training Oversight: Managed operations at Pan Am, a certified Part 142 training academy, providing comprehensive aviation training programs, including ab initio flight school, FAA and Non-FAA pilot certifications, type ratings, air traffic controller training, and maintenance personnel development.
• Operational Coordination: Played a key role in coordinating student and instructor schedules, ensuring smooth program execution from enrollment to graduation.
• Quality Control: Maintained a strong focus on instructor qualifications, guaranteeing that students received training from highly competent professionals.
• Compliance Leadership: Led the team in maintaining strict adherence to TSA and visa regulations, contributing to the academy's regulatory compliance.
• Continuous Improvement: Launched a cost reduction initiative for instructor qualifications, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Team Development: Mentored the OCC team, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Monitored Expenses: Tracked and analyzed costs, identifying opportunities for savings, and projected a $200K reduction in instructor qualification expenses through strategic expense management.
Consultant/ Sr. Manager, Crew Resources
January 2014 - September 2015 Silver Airways
• Regional Airline Operations: Managed operations at Silver Airways, a Part 121 certified regional carrier serving the Florida/Bahamas market and Dulles network, providing essential air services (EAS) under government programs.
• Strategic Transformation: Led overhaul of Crew Resources Department, improving functionality and cost efficiency.
• Productivity Enhancement: Implemented initiatives that significantly boosted crew productivity and operational efficiency.
• Process Optimization: Conducted a hotel program audit, improving cost control and service quality.
• Right-sizing Workforce: Optimized staffing levels to align with operational needs, balancing workload and resources.
• Training Program Implementation: Pioneered a formal training program for both current and new-hire employees, elevating overall team performance and skill sets.
• Innovation in Travel Management: Launched an automated airline booking solution to streamline processes and reduce costs.
• Cost Savings Achievement: Achieved savings projected to exceed $1 million, showcasing financial acumen and execution skills.
Manager, Crew Resources
July 2010 - December 2013 National Airlines
• Global Aviation Services: Oversaw operations at National Air Cargo, the parent company of National Airlines, a privately-owned global provider of wide-bodied customized cargo solutions and B757-200 charter passenger services, with offices worldwide.
• Established OCC Environment: Built an Operations Control Center (OCC) and developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for efficient operations.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Improved teamwork by replacing silos with cross-functional communication.
• Implemented Strategic Crew Plan: Optimized crew resources, reducing overtime and maximizing workforce efficiency.
• Reduced Costs Through Vendor Partnerships: Introduced hotel sourcing and contracting strategies to reduce costs and build beneficial vendor partnerships.
• Streamlined Procurement: Reorganized the purchase of hotel rooms, ground transportation, and airline tickets, reducing costs by 30% and generating additional revenue.
• Set Operational Guidelines: Created guidelines for air and hotel accommodations during expansion
• Implemented IBS Crew Scheduling System: Successfully implemented and became the administrator for IBS (iFlite), an airline operation and crew scheduling system, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Provided IBS Training: Delivered one-on-one OJT and web-based training on IBS for various workgroups across the company.
• Trained Overseas Staff: Trained staff on the IBS system to assess manpower and operations.
• Developed FAR Part 117 Training: Developed training programs to ensure regulatory compliance.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
• Reduced Overtime: Cut crewmember overtime by 30% at two airlines, increasing flying hours and lowering costs.
• Cut Costs: Achieved $500K in savings in the first year and avoided $2M in the second year with new booking software.
• Improved On-Time Performance: Raised on-time performance from 28% to 91% at Dynamic International Airways.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Negotiated new hotel rates and automated bookings, generating over $1M in savings
• Reduced Travel Expenses: Achieved an 11.75% reduction in travel expenses and an 11% cut in hotel costs.
SPECIAL PROJECTS & ASSOCIATIONS
• FAA Mandated Safety Management Systems (SMS) Participant
• Fatigue Risk Management Program (FRMP)
• Implementation of New Systems and Training
• Train-the-Trainer Program
• Software enhancements to lower costs and improve efficiency
• Re-engineering workflow and processes including instruction manual
• Knox College Alumni Association – fundraising to benefit alma mater.
EDUCATION
BS AA
Communication Hospitality, Travel and Tourism
FAA Safety Management Systems