About Corporate Eagle
Exclusive Aviation Since 1982
Corporate Eagle was the nation's very first company to receive Federal Aviation Administration Operating Specifications approval for FAR Part 91k Fractional Aircraft Operations. In addition, Corporate Eagle is the only Fractional Aircraft provider based in the State of Michigan. As Michigan's largest and longest-serving provider of Fractional and Managed business aviation, our team has been laser-focused on fulfilling one vision since founding in 1982: creating an exemplary experience for Members, every time, without compromise.
40+ Years Of Excellence
Founding of Tradewinds Aircraft Sales
Two partners, including professional corporate pilot and present-day Corporate Eagle Chairman and CEO Rick Nini, form Tradewinds Aircraft Sales Partnership to buy and sell used light aircraft.
Tradewinds Aviation Flight School
Incorporated into Tradewinds Aviation, Inc., the company takes over Great Lakes Aero, a struggling flight school. With a passion for excellence, the team upgrades the fleet, staff, processes and systems to become a top-flight operation and the largest provider in Southeast Michigan. Over the next several years, Tradewinds Aviation becomes a Cessna Pilot Training Center, and soon begins an owner-flown aircraft partnership program called the Pinnacle Club.
Executive Travel Program
Tradewinds Aviation begins an executive travel program featuring Piper Navajo Partnerships. This program is staffed with professional pilots promoted from the flight instructor staff. The following year, Rick Nini leaves his corporate pilot career and becomes Tradewinds Aviation's President, and adds the first King Air B200 to the executive travel program.
FAA Commercial Air Carrier
Tradewinds Aviation receives FAA Commercial Air Carrier Certificate.
Hawker Fractional Program
Tradewinds Aviation begins a Hawker Fractional Program
FAA Operating Specifications Certification
Tradewinds Aviation becomes the first company in the nation to receive FAA Operating Specifications Certification under the new FAR 91k Fractional Rules.
Tradewinds Becomes Corporate Eagle
Tradewinds Aviation is officially renamed Corporate Eagle Management Services, Inc. to better reflect its service and vision for the future and to meet growing demand for the company's fractional share program. The Corporate Eagle team divests the light aircraft operations and turns its focus to providing the most premium services exclusively for the Members of the fractional and managed business aviation programs.
New Headquarters
Corporate Eagle relocates to a specifically designed and newly constructed 78,000 square foot headquarters on a prime 5.7 acre parcel at the Oakland County International Airport.
Hawker 900XP
In April of 2020, Corporate Eagle begins the transition of Hawker fleet from the Hawker 800XP to the Hawker 900XP aircraft.
IS-BAO Stage 3 Registration Status
In May of 2023, Corporate Eagle receives the highest safety status, IS-BAO Stage 3 registration status for the successful implementation of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations.
100% Employee Owned
In June of 2024, Corporate Eagle transitions to an ESOP and becomes 100% employee owned.
Our Commitment To Our Members
Our team of nearly 100 dedicated professionals, including over 47 captain-rated pilots, is passionate about providing a uniquely private aviation experience right here in Metro Detroit. With our state-of-the-art facilities and unrivaled safety standards, we're committed to making your journey exceptional.
Employee Owned. Member Focused.
Corporate Eagle's great people are at the heart of everything we do. Their passion, spirit, dedication, and pride are the fuel for the entire operation, and the reason we are able to provide Members with exemplary safety and experiences, without compromise. Whether they have been here for one year or 20 years, delivering an outstanding experience means more to this team than just checking items off a list — it is part of who we are.
Rick Nini
Chairman and CEO
Chad Bredernitz
Executive VP And CFO
George Terry
VP Director of Maintenance Operations
Matt Brennan
President and COO
Melissa Brune
Executive Director of Member Experience
Kevin McCallum
Pilot Team Operations Manager
Rich Varnadoe
Chief Inspector
Alan Duplacey
Director, On-Board Services
Zach Duerring
Scheduling Director
