TEAM WORK ON THE FLY!

BRIAN D. SMITH

CHAIRMAN

Brian Smith – Global Aviator, Executive & Humanitarian

Brian Smith’s passion for aviation began early and was given his first flying lesson at the age of 10 in southwestern Connecticut and started flying on his own at the age of 17. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science and a minor in Business Administration.

He built most of his early aviation experience flying over 100 different types of single and multi-engine aircraft around the country. For the past 30+ years he has been part of International Jet serving in many different capacities including: Director of Training & Standardization, Director of Safety, 22 years as an FAA Check Airman, Chief Pilot and President. Brian has over 14,000 hours and 28 years of commercial airline experience flying to over 50 countries and making more than 115 circles around the globe in various aircraft to include: Learjets, the Boeing 727, DC-10, MD-11 and the Boeing 777.

Beyond the cockpit, Brian is a dedicated supporter of numerous charitable organizations. He contributes his time and resources to the Navy SEAL Foundation, Volunteers of America, Angel Flight West, the Classic Learjet Foundation, EAA, and the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, where he helps foster the next generation of talent and service.

With a rare combination of flight experience, executive leadership, and a heart for service, Brian Smith is a respected and inspiring presence in the aviation world.

Throughout his career, Brian has earned a reputation for excellence, mentorship, and unwavering professionalism. Whether training the next generation of pilots, leading safety initiatives, or flying across continents, he brings a calm, knowledgeable presence and a passion for aviation that is both contagious and enduring. His leadership continues to shape the culture at International Jet, where innovation, safety, and personalized service remain at the core of every flight.

DOUG STRANGFELD

PRESIDENT & COO

President & COO, International Jet Aviation Services | President, Aero Trans International. 

Doug Strangfeld, a fourth-generation Colorado native, brings more than four decades of hands-on and executive experience to the aviation industry, with a career spanning flight operations, aircraft maintenance, sales, manufacturing, and global charter management.

Doug's aviation journey began in 1980 as a Production Test Flight Mechanic at Cessna Aircraft Company, where he worked on the Citation Jet and Turboprop lines. In 1982, he joined International Jet as a floor mechanic and rose steadily through the ranks — eventually becoming Vice President of Maintenance, where he oversaw a 15-aircraft jet fleet. Along the way, he earned his Inspection Authorization (IA) rating, became an FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR), and progressed through pilot ratings all the way to Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) with type ratings in Learjets. In 1994, Doug took on a new challenge as Vice President of Operations at Sunward Corporation, a large private steel manufacturing company based in Denver, North Dakota, and South Carolina. There he served as Chief Pilot, managed the company's fleet of business and personal aircraft, and expanded his business acumen into oil well pump jack sales and management of the company's over-the-road trucking division.

In 2011, Doug was recruited back to Denver, rejoining International Jet Aviation Services as Director of Operations and eventually Chief Operating Officer / President — a role he holds today, leading global charter management and operations. He also serves as President of Aero Trans International, specializing in aircraft sales, acquisitions, and international import/export consulting.

Education

Doug's technical foundation is backed by formal education at Redstone College (Airframe and Powerplant), Metropolitan State University of Denver (Aviation Management), and Wichita State University (Aerospace Engineering).

Outside of Aviation

Outside of aviation, Doug is an avid downhill mountain bike gravity racer and enjoys international travel and exploration with his family.