In an industry led by comparatively conservative, low-key individuals, one regional airline executive not only tolerates the spotlight, he welcomes it. Mesa Air Group chairman and CEO Jonathan Ornstein–now in his fourth year as head of one of the country’s largest regional carriers–has become one of the industry’s most controversial figures.
Ornstein grabbed headlines again last spring for withdrawing his airline’s long-standing membership from the Regional Airline Association and founding his own group devoted to the support of small- community air service called Regional Aviation Partners. Never one to squander a public-relations opportunity, Ornstein announced his plans to start the new lobbying alliance during the annual RAA Convention on April 30. Ornstein blasted the association for its lack of effectiveness in winning support for air service to small communities and for what he perceived as the RAA’s apathy toward the plight of small, independently owned member airlines.
