Delta has announced that its executive vice president and president, Alain Bellemare, will take on an additional leadership role as chairman of the Delta MRO advisory board.

Bellemare will provide strategic direction, support and guidance to Delta’s commercial MRO business, working in close partnership with John Laughter, chief of operations and president of Delta TechOps, who will continue leading the business.

Bellemare said: “I’m honoured to take on this expanded role. Delta TechOps is a world-class operation with talented people, deep technical capabilities and a strong customer foundation. I look forward to partnering with John and the team to help shape the next chapter of growth and commercial success.”

Bellemare brings over 25 years of global aerospace and industrial leadership experience, having led complex aircraft programmes, advanced propulsion and systems technologies, and global aftermarket services.

Ed Bastian, chief executive of Delta, said: “Alain’s extensive experience in aerospace systems, engines and aftermarket services – paired with his strategic acumen and global commercial experience – makes him ideally suited to help guide the continued growth of the Delta MRO.”

Delta TechOps is a $5 billion industry leader in MRO services, supporting Delta’s own fleet and hundreds of airline customers worldwide. Bellemare’s role as chairman will complement these operations by bringing his strategic lens and global experience to help strengthen market positioning, deepen customer relationships, accelerate long-term growth and enhance commercial success leveraging Delta’s industry-leading aircraft maintenance capabilities.

Laughter said: “We’ve partnered closely with Alain, leveraging his expertise for years, and it has helped position Delta’s MRO for the success we share today. His leadership in this board position will continue to grow and strengthen this critical part of our business.”

As previously president and chief executive of Bombardier Inc., Bellemare led the company through a comprehensive and successful transformation, overseeing the development, certification and successful entry into service of the C-Series, now Airbus A220. Prior to that, as president and chief executive of United Technologies Corporation Propulsion & Aerospace Systems, he led Pratt Whitney, as well as the acquisition of Goodrich, with its integration into Hamilton Sundstrand.

Bellemare has deep experience leading global teams responsible for the development, certification, maintenance and support of some of the world’s most advanced engines and complex aircraft systems. He has built strong, long-standing partnerships with leading aerospace OEMs across the globe. He also serves on the board of directors for Wheels Up.

READ MORE PEOPLE & WORKPLACES NEWS HERE