Aviation Technology Group has announced the promotion of Charlie Johnson to President and Chief Operating Officer of the company. Along with his new promotion, Johnson will also hold a seat on the ATG Board of Directors.

“Charlie’s experience and leadership is a great resource to ATG,” said George Bye, Chairman and CEO of Aviation Technology Group, Inc. “We are delighted to support Charlie as he leads ATG through production and certification of the Javelin.”

As President and COO, Johnson will oversee all company operations with special emphasis on engineering, production and flight test operations.

“I believe that ATG and the Javelin have tremendous potential and that we are in effect, defining a new market segment,” said Johnson. “I am grateful for the confidence expressed in me and look forward to the challenge of the new position.”

Johnson began his aviation career after completing U.S. Air Force pilot training in 1968. Following his military career flying the F-105, Johnson was chief pilot for Arnold Palmer from 1972-1975. From there he joined Gates Learjet where he was Chief of Production Flight Test. In 1979, Johnson joined Cessna as manager of production flight test. He served in a variety of positions in quality control and product support before being named Vice President, Aircraft Completion and Product Support in 1988.

He was promoted to Senior Vice President, Operations in 1993, Executive Vice President of Operations in 1995, named President and Chief Operating Officer in 1997 and then retired from Cessna in 2003. Johnson joined the ATG team in late 2004 as Chief Operating Officer.

FMI: www.avtechgroup.com