In his new role as COO of Southern Air, based in Florence, Paul Chase will oversee all aspects of the cargo airline’s business, including safety, flight operations, systems and technical operations, fleet network, finance, maintenance and human resources.
“I’ve worked with Paul since 2010 and his strong leadership skills, strategic business approach, and appreciation for every aspect of Southern Air’s business will serve Southern Air’s customers and its team of dedicated professionals well,” said Daniel McHugh, Chief Executive Officer of Worldwide Air Logistics Group, Inc., Southern Air Inc.’s parent company.
“Paul has played a leadership role in every major decision Southern Air has made in recent years, including the company’s successful introduction of the 737 program and the airline’s consistently outstanding operational performance.”
Since joining Southern Air in 2007, Mr. Chase has held positions of increasing responsibility including Manager of Operations Planning, Director of Systems Operations and most recently as Vice President of Systems Operations. During his career, Mr. Chase has planned and executed some of the most complex intercontinental flight programs for many of the world’s most prominent airlines. He has also managed some of the largest aircraft to ever transport goods by air.
“Paul has the right skills to leverage Southern Air’s platform as we move forward. His professional achievements, leadership abilities, and his commitment to the people Southern Air employs and the communities Southern Air serves reflect the company’s values,” said David Soaper, President of Worldwide Air Logistics Group, Inc.
Prior to joining Southern Air, Mr. Chase served in the United States Navy as an Operations Specialist. He is a certified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aircraft Dispatcher as well as a certified FAA private pilot. He holds a B.S. from Charter Oak University.
In addition to his many professional endeavors, Mr. Chase contributes his time and talent to important causes he cares about, including the Healthy Newborns Project, a safe house for pregnant women suffering with addiction, and Special Olympics Northern Kentucky.
Fred deLeeuw, who has served as Southern Air’s President, will transition to Worldwide Air Logistics Group, Inc. as Chief Financial Officer.
About Southern Air
Southern Air is the premier provider of safe, fuel-efficient, domestic and intercontinental ACMI/CMI services. Southern Air and its experienced team of aviation professionals deliver high quality services to global customers, meeting and exceeding their air cargo needs. Southern Air serves leading global express delivery provider DHL on routes around the world with its fleet of Boeing 777 and 737 freighters. The cargo airline has been honored by the FAA with its prestigious Diamond Award of Excellence, the FAA’s highest honor for overall maintenance excellence. For more information, please visit: www.southernair.com.