Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Hoefling.
Hi Rick, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Grew up in Elizabeth, NJ. My father died when I was seven, but was a bit sick for a long time. My Mom was a superstar and raised us, but we were not well off. We lived in a four-family house. My sister and I slept in an unfinished attic. The house had no HVAC. I would look at my window on hot nights, unable to sleep. My view from the attic overlooked the approach path to Newark Airport. I would wonder what types of airplanes they were and where they were coming from. I fell in love with airplanes.
When I graduated from high school, I went to college, but ran to the airport to land my first real job as well. I’ve never looked back. I love the industry. I love the people. I went from aircraft cleaner to CEO, every moment inspired by the people who loved it as I did, and were more than happy to teach and mentor me, every step of the way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The airline industry is not known for smooth roads. I’ve been blessed to be part of some amazing outcomes in this space, but it certainly has not come easy. Post-deregulation in the 1980s eventually led the industry to contraction and mergers. Industry giants such as TWA, Eastern, Northwest, and Continental, which are often remembered, but smaller brands such as People Express, New York Air, Midwest Express, and others are not.
In the regional airline industry, once occupied by nearly 200 airlines offering air transportation from small cities, is now represented under the Regional Airline Association by 13 members, of which are operating mostly under capacity purchase agreements with the top three mainline airlines.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been the President and CEO of CommuteAir since 2019. Prior to that, I spent 34 years at Continental and then United Airlines, finishing my career there as VP of Airport Operations with responsibilities for Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK airport
What makes you happy?
My family, my friend, my CommuteAir family, my travels, and my hobbies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.commuteair.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commuteair/
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/commuteair/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/commuteair/
- Twitter: https://x.com/FlyCommuteAir
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CommuteAir
