Aircraft
Business Aviation Industry Mourns Passing of Jim Schuster
James Edward “Jim” Schuster led the turnaround of Raytheon Aircraft and its transition to Hawker Beechcraft in the 2000s
Jim Schuster

James Edward “Jim” Schuster, who led the turnaround of Raytheon Aircraft and its transition to Hawker Beechcraft in the 2000s, passed away on Thursday, May 8, in Wichita. He was 72.

Under Schuster’s leadership from 2001 to 2008, the Wichita-based OEM implemented sweeping changes that revitalized the struggling aircraft manufacturer. When appointed chairman and CEO in 2001, Schuster inherited a company facing severe financial challenges, with operating cash flow consuming nearly $1 billion in the three years prior to his arrival.