Reliable Airlines is a new cargo feeder operator, commencing operations for FedEx in June 2022 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Our world-class leadership team holds extensive strategic and operational experience in the air cargo industry. We are building a high-performance team and hiring at all levels within the organization. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, stock options, Flight Safety International professional training and unique growth opportunities.
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Safety is a team effort. Reliable Airlines is fully and unconditionally committed to operating at the highest level of safety. The team embraces a culture of safety that brings together our four key Safety Management System components: Safety Policy, Safety Assurance, Risk Management and Safety Promotion.
Tom Klassen
President and Director of Operations
Klassen began his diverse aviation career as a 19 year old helicopter pilot spotting tuna from a Mexican fishing boat in Central America. His experience spans several continents and includes Part 135, Part 121, and Part 91 operations in helicopters, turbo-prop and turbine aircraft, and he has flown Cessna 208 Caravans. Klassen’s management and regulatory background includes his most recent role as CEO and Director of Operations for 12 years for HALO-Flight, a helicopter air ambulance service. He has held Director of Operations and Chief Pilot roles, managing upwards of 50 pilots. Klassen has also been a national airshow pilot, flying a Sukhoi SU-26 aircraft and a supersonic MiG-17 fighter jet with sponsorship by Harley Davidson. In his effort to increase safety in aviation operations he has served on two Federal Aviation Administration rulemaking committees and believes that safety is not proprietary. As a leader, Klassen is focused on building a culture of safety and inclusivity.
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Jeff Drees
Director of Cargo Strategy and Recruiting
Drees spent 40 years in the aviation industry starting as a pilot and spanning all aspects of airline operations. Drees served as chief commercial officer for Ameriflight and oversaw more than 1,500 domestic and international departures per week while the company was flying over 75,000 hours per year. He managed customer relationships with FedEx, UPS and DHL, a large bank consortium and nuclear medicine organizations with time-sensitive deliveries. During his 35-year tenure, Drees became a co-owner of the company and also held the position of Executive VP of Operations.
Michael Hill
Chief Pilot
Hill has spent much of his career in aviation with over 20 years of professional piloting experience and has multiple FAA flight ratings including ATP, Commercial, and CFII. Hill was a representative for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Safety Team (FAAST) where he led training for local pilot groups. Prior to Reliable Airlines, Hill served as a Caravan Captain for West Air, Inc., a FedEx cargo feeder airline. He spent over 23 years with the California Highway Patrol, first as a highway patrol officer, then in helicopter traffic enforcement, search and rescue, and as an officer/pilot of fixed-wing aircraft, where he was responsible for law enforcement duties, pilot instruction, aircraft maintenance and safety before getting promoted to sergeant and supervisor. Hill served in the United States Air Force and transitioned into the Air Force Reserve as an aeromedical evacuation technician for U.S. military patients and their families.
Antonine Brosious
VP of Business Operations
Antonine Brosious has 25 years experience in business operations. Prior to joining the Reliable Airlines team, Antonine was responsible for regulations, licensing, permitting, shipping and transportation. Additional duties consisted of compliance with MSHA, OSHA, New Mexico Department of Transportation and the City Of Albuquerque. She also managed a large office staff and was hands-on with the field management employees.Antonine enjoys snow skiing, water skiing, hunting, traveling and spending time with her family.
Colleen Lawson
VP of Finance
Colleen Lawson is an accountant who is experienced in small business finance and Credit Analysis. She started her career as an Accounts Receivable Clerk and quickly worked her way up to Controller for a local automotive parts company. From there Colleen moved on to become a Credit Analyst for local Community Bank where she analyzed tax returns and complex financial statements for multi-million dollar corporations. Colleen is a native New Mexican who enjoys reading, running, watching her son Logan play sports, and hanging out with her dachshund Quincy.
Boyd Pierce
Director of Maintenance
Boyd Pierce is a highly experienced professional with an extensive 49-year career in aviation maintenance. His journey began in 1975 when he served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation structural mechanic attached to P3 squadron VP-19. During his tenure, he acquired diverse expertise in aircraft maintenance, including inspection, corrosion control, engine maintenance, and ground handling. In 2022, after 29 years with West Air, Boyd joined the Reliable Robotics team to establish a new FedEx Feeder operation, Reliable Airlines. His extensive experience as a FedEx Feeder leader was instrumental in setting up the Maintenance Department. Boyd's profound knowledge of the Cessna 208 Caravan has enabled him to train and mentor a highly skilled maintenance staff, ensuring operational excellence.
John Robertson
Operations Manager
Hi, my name is John Robertson (JR, for those in the “know”). I am the Operations Manager for Reliable Airlines, in Albuquerque, NM. My duties include tracking daily flights and fostering a learning and healthy relationship with our partner and customer(FedEx). I have 30 years of freight airline experience(FedEx, UPS and Airborne) and rely on past experiences and industry relationships in the daily management of moving priority freight by air. My flying career has allowed operational experience in North America (as far North as the Arctic Circle and many locations in Mexico and Alaska). I relish the life lessons and relationships accomplished through a career that demands professionalism, knowledge and self preservation. I am excited for the evolving future of this industry and proud to be on the cutting edge of technological advances that will improve reliability and safety.
