Fixed-base operator (FBO) and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider Yingling Aviation has announced the appointment of Andrew Nichols as its new president.
The son of Yingling’s chairman and chief executive officer, Lynn Nichols, Andrew will be elevated from his role as chief financial officer (CFO), effectively swapping positions with Lonnie Vaughan, the president since 2012 who previously held the role of CFO.
“Lonnie and I both recognize that we are not getting any younger, so we have been grooming Andrew over the last few years to eventually take over the family’s business,” said Lynn Nichols.
“The timing of this move gives me the opportunity to work with Andrew more closely before I eventually retire. Lonnie has also been a part of this plan over these years and I greatly appreciate his loyalty and perspective. He understands the importance of this transition.”
Andrew Nichols joined Yingling in 2010 after working in the finance department of Cessna Aircraft Company following his graduation from Kansas State University (KSU) with a degree in finance.
In addition to the promotion of his son, Lynn Nichols also announced the expansion of the director of maintenance and director of parts role, for Chris Short and Rebecca Williams, respectively.
Short will now oversee aircraft maintenance, avionics, interiors and aircraft paint services, while Williams’ is set to manage propeller sales, repair and overhaul services.
“We are currently in the process of implementing the largest facilities, services, and worker expansion in the company’s history,” added Nichols. “We’re doing so with a great deal of confidence that everything we are doing is aligning us for continued growth in 2020 and beyond.”
