Our Team

David Crick

Chief Investment Officer

In his role as Chief Investment Officer, David will report to the CEO. He will oversee all areas of business investment. He is responsible for recognizing, analyzing and developing focused plans to profit stakeholders. He will drive all processes, programs and negotiations in creating and maintaining profitable investment portfolios.

“ Turning pennies to dollars slowly is investment”

3 Decades

Of service : to the Aviation Community

“2025 will mark an year of transformative change in aviation. In a business context, the time to saddle up is now”

Hitesh Patel

Chief Executive Officer and Founder

Hitesh Patel is the Founder / Principal of Blu3Aero consultancy, it’s a boutique aviation consulting firm that is highly experienced and proudly independent. He brings deep domain expertise and hands-on collaboration to clients across commercial, financial and technical disciplines. His global footprint and relationship network span the aviation industry.

Hitesh is a strategic and proactve leader with over 30 years of experience in building and directing globally renowned organizations through the implementation of self-derived strategies to ensure consistent growth and long-term fiscal success.

As a promising and talented aeronautic-focused engineer with Continental Airlines at the beginning of his career, he was selected as the Director of Technical Operations at JetBlue Airways in New York at the inception of this now successful airline. In 2004, Hitesh was recruited to lead the operations and launch of Kingfisher Airlines in India as Executve Vice President. In 2013, Veling Aircraft Leasing in Mauritius selected Hitesh as Chief Executve Officer where he played a pivotal role in the reinforcement of company architecture, the development and implementation of novel policies, and the mentorship of the Veling team in preparation for future expansion.

Through a stellar record in the administration of P&L aspects, derivation and execution of MM$ budgets, and oversight of mergers & acquisitions — Hitesh is regarded as a visionary in large-scale start up efforts and global leader within the aviation industry. This expertise extends to operational management, fiscal planning, business development, management of fleets, and marketing & sales. Throughout his career, Hitesh has received recognition for his thoughtful leadership & refined decision-making in the development of teams across the world with proven success in bringing meaningful change across integral operational domains.

In navigating convoluted business requirements, identifying performance gaps, and further constructing strategic initatves, he has been able to bolster large businesses on a global platform. With a proven track-record in personally fostering productve partnerships and alliances between industry giants & in building consensus across multiple organizational hierarchies, Hitesh has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in communication reinforced by extensive knowledge in a vast area of sectors.

Meet Sandeep Tyagi

A Leader in Aviation Quality, Safety, Security and Compliance

With over 22 years of experience in the aviation industry, Sandeep Tyagi has built a reputation as a steadfast leader in quality assurance, safety management, Security Management and regulatory compliance. His career journey is marked by his unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence across some of the most dynamic regions in the world, including Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

Sandeep’s story begins with a strong foundation in aeronautical engineering, graduating with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the prestigious National Aerospace University in Ukraine. This academic rigor fuelled his passion for aviation, inspiring him to embark on a career that has spanned continents and industries.

Over the years, Sandeep has held pivotal roles in leading airlines and aviation organizations. He recently served as the Director of Corporate Safety at Riyadh Air, where he has been instrumental in setting up the airline’s Corporate Safety Department from the ground up. Sandeep’s responsibilities include designing and implementing safety management systems, establishing crisis management protocols, and ensuring compliance with global standards such as ICAO Annexes and GACAR regulations. His expertise in emergency response and proactive safety planning has made him a trusted leader in the industry.

Prior to this, Sandeep held senior roles at Air Arabia and Air Niugini, where he Post Holder positions for SMS & QMS and led groundbreaking initiatives such as managing IOSA audits, coordinating safety investigations, and spearheading regulatory compliance efforts. His work at Air Arabia & Air Niugini, for instance, involved liaising directly with regulatory bodies to maintain the airline’s operational certifications while mentoring teams to uphold the highest standards of quality and safety.

Sandeep’s career is a testament to his versatility and strategic thinking. He has played a crucial role in the startup of four airlines, leading the acquisition of Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) under regulations such as CASA PNG, EASA, PCAA, GCAA & GACA and establishing the necessary safety and compliance frameworks. Beyond his technical expertise, Sandeep is known for his leadership style—one that emphasizes collaboration, cultural inclusivity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

What sets Sandeep apart is his depth of expertise. He is a globally recognized expert in aviation regulations, including GCAA, EASA, FAA, and CASA certifications. His training portfolio is extensive, ranging from aviation crisis management to integrated management systems. Additionally, Sandeep is adept at auditing MROs, CAMOs, and AMOs, ensuring that every aspect of operations aligns with international benchmarks.

Outside the technical realm, Sandeep is passionate about mentoring and developing talent. He has trained numerous safety and quality auditors, instilling in them the same dedication to safety and compliance that has defined his career. His approach to leadership is rooted in building trust, inspiring performance, and fostering a generative safety culture.

Sandeep is multilingual, fluent in English, Hindi, and Russian, which has enabled him to work seamlessly across global markets. His ability to navigate diverse cultural and regulatory environments has been pivotal in his success.

In his personal life, Sandeep is known for his analytical mind and calm demeanor, qualities that have served him well in high-stakes roles. Whether it’s leading a crisis response team or developing safety protocols for an airline startup, Sandeep approaches every challenge with resilience, focus, and a solutions-driven mindset.

Sandeep Tyagi is more than just an aviation professional; he is a leader who bridges technical expertise with strategic vision. He believes that safety is not just a regulatory requirement but a commitment to people—the passengers, employees, and stakeholders who rely on aviation every day. Through his work, Sandeep continues to make an indelible mark on the aviation industry, setting new standards for quality and safety worldwide.