Priester Aviation Adds Experienced President Rich Ropp to Leadership Team

2.8.22

WHEELING, Ill. (February 8, 2022) – In Priester Aviation’s more than 75 years of operation, the company has served private aviation clients with an industry-leading level of experience and personal attention. To continue that commitment and to help grow Priester’s reach and range of services, the company announces the hiring of Rich Ropp as President.

Ropp, a 30-year veteran of aircraft management and aviation sales, comes to Priester with the experience of opening the base location in his native St. Louis for Jet Linx Aviation. In addition to serving as the company’s Base President of St. Louis, he was responsible for leading its growth as Vice President of Business Development and Aircraft Management Sales.

“Rich enhances our team as a proven leader and developer of talent,” says Andy Priester, Chairman and CEO of Priester Aviation. “We pride ourselves on the level of service we deliver to our clients daily, and the relationships we’ve built with industry professionals to ensure that. Rich’s experience and dedication to that commitment will continue to benefit our clients and the company.”

Ropp takes over the role of President most recently held by Andy Priester before his ascension to the Chairman position in late 2021. Andy Priester is the third generation to lead the company founded in 1945 by his grandfather, George.

“Joining a company with such a foundation and history of success is a great honor,” says Ropp. “Priester is an aviation company with a legacy that lives up to its values. The experience of its team and longevity with the company is a testament to the excellence Priester delivers.”

In addition to his tenure at Jet Linx Aviation, Rich Ropp served as National Sales Director at Jet Aviation, where he was the single point of contact for major clients and flight departments to the global platform of services. His experience includes driving aircraft management and jet card membership, as well as developing and executing strategic plans, and building up teams.

Priester Aviation, headquartered in Chicago, serves clients in the United States and globally from operating bases throughout the world. In late 2021, it added five new aircraft to its fleet of world-class aircraft to meet growing demand for owner and charter use. It works with partners throughout the country, including JSSI Parts & Leasing, with whom it launched a parts-procurement program for aircraft owners in 2021.

About Priester Aviation, LLC

Priester Aviation is among the world’s most experienced global private aviation companies, specializing in aircraft management and private travel solutions.  With over 75 years of experience, Priester Aviation is among the elite private aircraft management companies that hold the highest safety accreditations including the ARGUS Platinum rating, Wyvern approval, IS-BAO Stage III and Air Charter Safety Foundation certifications.  

For more information, please contact Priester Marketing at 847-537-1133.