OUR TEAM

Meet the dedicated team at Contractor Airways, where reliability and efficiency are our guiding principles. Our experienced professionals specialize in providing exceptional short- and long-term aviation charters, Medivacs, and top-notch maintenance services. As an approved UN service provider, our team’s expertise in aircraft models like the C208EX, King Air B200, and 1900D ensures the highest standards of safety and comfort for your journey. Trust in our team to deliver excellence every step of the way.

DIRECTORS

Craig Munro

Chief Executive Officer ​

With an illustrious career spanning 15 years in the aviation industry, Craig Munro stands out as a transformative leader, driving remarkable growth and operational excellence across diverse sectors of aviation.

As Chief Executive Officer of Contractor Airways, Craig Munro is known for his exceptional ability to align aviation strategies with evolving market dynamics. His leadership is distinguished by a proactive approach to overcoming industry challenges and a deep commitment to fostering innovation. Under his guidance, the company has embarked on groundbreaking initiatives that significantly enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and overall performance.

Craig Munro’s vision for Contractor Airways is centered around pioneering advancements and cultivating a culture deeply rooted in safety, reliability, and superior customer satisfaction. His strategic foresight and dedication continue to steer the organization toward sustained success and industry leadership.

OPERATIONS

Thys Francis​

Responsible Person Flight Operations ​

Thys Gysbert Francis has built a distinguished career in aviation and security management, characterized by his dedication to excellence and continuous learning. After earning his Grade 12 (Matric) certification from CR Swart High School in 1995, he pursued an Advanced Technical and Linux Diploma at Hatfield Business College in 2004, covering A+, N+, I-NET+, Server+, CCNA, and Linux+. His extensive aviation training includes IATA certifications in Dangerous Goods, Security Quality Control, SEMS, Airline Security Operations, and Flight Operations Management, as well as Quality Assurance Management from SEAMS Safety Training. Thys served in the South African Air Force as a Command and Control Operator from 1996 to 2007, then transitioned to civilian roles at Naturelink Aviation and National Airways Corporation. Since 2011, he has been the Director of Flight Operations at Balmoral Central Contracts SA (Pty) Ltd, leveraging his broad expertise to ensure operational excellence and safety.

Renet Lombaard

Quality Assurance Manager ​

Renet Lombaard, a distinguished specialist in Quality Management, has been a key figure in the aviation industry since 2015. With her extensive experience and expertise, Renet brings invaluable insights to Contractor Airways as our esteemed consultant.

At Contractor Airways, Renet provides expert consultancy, project management, and quality assurance solutions, all tailored to enhance our aviation operations. Discover how Renet Lombaard’s proven track record and commitment to excellence are elevating our services and driving us toward new heights of success.

Yolanda Vermeulen​

Security Manager / Safety Manager

Yolanda is a dedicated Aviation Security Manager at Contractor Airways, having joined the team in May 2023. With a deep passion for aviation and a commitment to excellence in compliance, Yolanda specializes in Avsec and Dangerous Goods regulations. Her role involves overseeing compliance and security measures, leveraging her expertise in Part 92, Part 108, and Part 114 regulations to ensure robust operational adherence.

Yolanda brings a rich background of over 20 years in recruitment and talent management, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building and networking within the aviation industry. Her unique blend of professional experience is complemented by her personal interests as an AvGeek, coffee enthusiast, and scuba diver, enriching her approach to her role. Yolanda’s proactive and dedicated approach to her work reflects her unwavering commitment to achieving exceptional results and fostering strong connections within the aviation community.

Gordon Robertson

​Responsible Person Aircraft

Charles Gordon Robertson is a highly experienced business and aviation manager with over 40 years of global expertise in sales, business development, and marketing. His career encompasses extensive management and leadership roles, with a focus on process and performance improvement consulting.

 

He holds a Diploma in Marketing Management from IMM, a Diploma in Business Management from Technikon RSA, and an MBA from the University of Wales, focusing on Change Management. Additionally, he completed an MSc in Airline Maintenance Management from London City University, which included research in areas such as Accident Investigations (ICAO), airworthiness, maintenance systems, airline risk and safety systems, revenue management, and aviation psychology. Recently, Charles finalized a research document titled “Use of Technology to Drive Profits” and completed a specialized course in Accident Investigations from an internationally accredited provider.

Charles’s career reflects a deep passion for management excellence, operational efficiency, and safety, underscoring his dedication to advancing these areas within the aviation industry.

Rani Naidoo

Charters

Rani Naidoo brings over three decades of dynamic experience in the aviation industry, showcasing exceptional leadership and management capabilities. Her expertise spans charter operations, contract flying, aircraft management, and administration, ensuring efficient and seamless processes. Renowned for her commitment to customer service excellence, Rani consistently exceeds expectations by delivering unparalleled service.

Her agile leadership approach allows her to adeptly navigate the complexities of the aviation sector. Rani’s remarkable ability to build and nurture professional relationships, combined with her impeccable networking skills, fosters a cohesive and vibrant team environment. She empowers teams through collaboration and innovation, driving outstanding and sustainable results.

Rani’s professional journey is distinguished by a series of significant accomplishments, highlighting her dedication and expertise. She has played a pivotal role in numerous high-stakes projects, demonstrating precision, foresight, and strategic thinking. Her problem-solving abilities and diligence make her an invaluable asset to any organization she is part of.

Throughout her career, Rani has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the aviation industry’s demands, continually rising to meet them. Her unwavering commitment to professional development and her passion for the field are reflected in her impressive track record. Rani’s ability to build strong teams, her steadfast dedication to excellence, and her talent for delivering sustainable results make her a standout professional in the aviation industry, poised to continue making significant contributions to the team.

FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES

Anel Van Der Walt​

Human Resources Manager ​

Anel Van der Walt is a dedicated Human Resources professional with a passion for fostering a positive work environment and enhancing organizational effectiveness. With extensive experience in HR, Anel has honed her expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, and HR policy development. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to supporting both employees and management, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and values. Anel’s strategic approach to HR emphasizes creating inclusive workplaces where employees can thrive and contribute their best. She holds a deep understanding of human capital management, leveraging her skills to attract top talent and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. With a proactive and empathetic approach, Anel is dedicated to driving HR initiatives that promote growth, engagement, and organizational success. Her professional journey exemplifies her dedication to empowering teams and enhancing workplace environments through effective HR practices and leadership.

MAINTENANCE

Don Moore

Maintenance Manager

Don Moore is a highly accomplished maintenance manager with over 40 years of extensive experience in aircraft maintenance. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held several key leadership positions within the aviation industry, with responsibilities spanning airframe maintenance to the management of full AMO operations. As Maintenance Manager, Don is tasked with overseeing all aspects of maintenance planning, client relations, parts procurement, staff scheduling, and aircraft inspections. He ensures strict adherence to regulatory compliance while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers. His leadership credentials also include the founding and development of a maintenance service at WestJet (Pty) Ltd, managing cross-functional operations at Interjet Maintenance (Pty) Ltd, and serving as the Accountable Manager at Turbo Prop Service Centre CC.

Don’s technical qualifications are complemented by type ratings on Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker Siddeley aircraft, in addition to certifications on Rolls Royce and Pratt & Whitney engines. His expertise is reinforced by a strong proficiency in organizational management and administrative oversight, ensuring that operations run efficiently, with a focus on safety and service excellence.

Over the course of his career, Don has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing teams, securing regulatory approvals, and upholding foreign AMO/MRO compliance standards. His deep industry knowledge and proven capabilities make him an invaluable asset to any aviation maintenance organization.