Aviation Technical Services (ATS) has appointed Robert Cords as its new chief executive.

Cords joins ATS from Wheels Up and replaces Paul Dolan who left ATS in November.

Cords will be based in Fort Worth, TX, at ATS’s component repair facility near DFW International Airport.

At Wheels Up Cords was the executive vice president of fleet operations and infrastructure, overseeing maintenance programmes related to its Part 135 charter operations and Part 145 repair station.

He was also previously president of MRO Holdings and has prior experience as president of airlines and fleets at StandardAero.

Matt Yerbic, ATS executive board chairman, said: “Rob brings an analytical, yet energising approach to his leadership style, one that will serve ATS customers and its employees well.

“He brings a balanced perspective, ensuring the customer experience and operational requirements are forefront.

“On behalf of our entire board, I thank Paul for leading ATS through some of the most challenging times the industry has ever faced. We wish him and his family the best.”

Cords holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Indiana University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

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