Ernest S. Arvai – President and CEO

Ernie has more than 35 years experience in consulting to the aviation industry.  Prior to founding The Arvai Group in 1991, he was Vice President and Managing Director – Technology Management, for Battelle Memorial Institute and previously Director of the worldwide airline and aviation industry practice at Arthur D. Little, Inc.

He has a BSE in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan and an MS in Industrial Administration from Carnegie-Mellon University.  He is an instrument-rated pilot, a CPA (not active in public practice) and a member of several industry professional groups.

He is frequently quoted in the media, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, the Economist and other major publications.  He has also appeared frequently on business-related radio and television outlets discussion aviation-related issues.

Addison M. Schonland

Addison has more than 25 years experience in aviation consulting.  His primary focus is on market research and social media, leveraging new media to create competitive advantage.

George Mehm

George has more than 25 years experience in aviation consulting, and specializes in assisting companies in Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  Formerly Director of Finance for Pan American World Airways and CFO of US Helicopter, he has also assisted Kiwi and Tower Air in their bankruptcy proceedings.

Norman Hecht

Norm is an aircraft engine specialist, and spent the first part of his career at Pratt & Whitney in several roles.  He currently specializes in assisting airlines in their engine selection process and in negotiations with engine manufacturers.

Bernadette Reiter

Berni is an information technology specialist with experience ranging from operating systems to artificial intelligence.  She has developed proprietary high productivity programming tools, and has designed advanced airline reservations, revenue management, and departure control systems.

Our team of other specialists, who work with us on a project by project basis, includes experts in MRO, business aircraft, aircraft design, aircraft leasing, and airline operations.  If the need arises for a key specialty, whether industry or functional, we likely have expertise within our consulting network.