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

1980

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.


1982

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.


1984

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.


1990

FAA Commercial Air Carrier

Tradewinds Aviation receives FAA Commercial Air Carrier Certificate.


1994

Hawker Fractional Program

Tradewinds Aviation begins a Hawker Fractional Program


2004

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.


2008

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.


2019

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.


2020

Hawker 900XP

In April of 2020, Corporate Eagle begins the transition of Hawker fleet from the Hawker 800XP to the Hawker 900XP aircraft.


2023

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.


2024

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

Rick Nini

Chairman and CEO
Start Date: 1982
Chad Bredernitz Executive VP And CFO

Chad Bredernitz

Executive VP And CFO
Start Date: 2002
George Terry VP Director of Maintenance Operations

George Terry

VP Director of Maintenance Operations
Start Date: 2000
Matt Brennan President and COO

Matt Brennan

President and COO
Start Date: 1997
Melissa Brune Executive Director of Member Experience

Melissa Brune

Executive Director of Member Experience
Start Date: 2022
Kevin McCallum Pilot Team Operations Manager

Kevin McCallum

Pilot Team Operations Manager
Start Date: 2022
Rich Varnadoe Chief Inspector

Rich Varnadoe

Chief Inspector
Start Date: 1999
Alan Duplacey Director, On-Board Services

Alan Duplacey

Director, On-Board Services
Start Date: 2007
Zach Duerring Scheduling Director

Zach Duerring

Scheduling Director
Start Date: 2020
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