Hawthorne Global Aviation Services Appoints David Hurley to Its Board of Directors

CHARLESTON, SC--(Marketwired - Oct 16, 2014) - Hawthorne Global Aviation Services ("Hawthorne"), a leading general aviation services company, today announced that business and commercial aviation veteran David C. Hurley had joined the company's board of directors as Vice Chairman.

Hawthorne is a premier provider of general aviation services including first class FBO services, tailored charter solutions, turnkey aircraft management and FAA approved aircraft maintenance. Hawthorne operates five premier FBOs located at MacArthur Airport in Islip, NY (KISP); Cobb County Airport in Atlanta, GA (KRYY); Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL (KPWK); Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Eau Claire, WI (KEAU); and Lakefront Airport in New Orleans, LA (KNEW). 

Bill Koch, Chairman of Hawthorne, said, "David brings 40 years of aviation knowledge and relationships to Hawthorne, and we are thrilled to have him join Hawthorne's board. We look forward to his active participation as we capitalize on the tremendous opportunities ahead."

Mr. Hurley founded Flight Services Group (FSG), one of the world's largest providers of corporate aircraft management, executive charter, and aircraft sales and acquisitions in the US. FSG was sold to PrivatAir of Geneva, Switzerland in 2000 and Mr. Hurley now serves as Vice Chairman of PrivatAir following his retirement as Chief Executive Officer. He also currently serves on the boards of Aviation Partners Boeing, The Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, and the Corporate Angel Network.

Moelis Capital Partners (MCP) and Hawthorne Corporation formed Hawthorne in 2010 to pursue an FBO acquisition strategy. MCP provides the company with strategic advice.

Jim Johnston, a Partner at MCP, said, "We are excited to have such a well-respected aviation advisor join our board and view it as a strong endorsement of Hawthorne's premier service and growing presence in the general aviation industry. "

About Hawthorne Global Aviation Services

Hawthorne is a premier provider of general aviation services, with a rich history in the industry dating back to 1932. For more information, please visit www.hawthorne.aero. 

About David Hurley

Mr. Hurley has over 40 years of experience in operations, marketing and sales in the aerospace and telecommunications industries. Before founding FSG, he served as the Executive Vice President of Canadair Challenger (a Division of General Dynamics). Prior to that position, he was the Regional Manager, Commercial Jet Marketing Division of the Cessna Aircraft Company. He began his career in 1968 as Director of Marketing, Government and Military Products Division, for RF Communications, a division of the Harris Intertype Corporation.

Mr. Hurley, who began flying at age 14 in a Stinson Voyager, is also a current professional aviator. He holds Airline Transport Pilot and Instructor Certificates and FAA Check Airman Authority and has numerous business jet aircraft type ratings. He has logged over 15,000 hours of flight time over the past 55 years.

About Moelis Capital Partners

Moelis Capital Partners (MCP), an affiliate of Moelis Asset Management, is a middle market private equity firm founded in 2007. MCP manages approximately $870 million of committed private equity capital and specializes in traditional private equity investments in the middle market. For more information, please visit www.moeliscapital.com.