Klemen Kete

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Kloten, Zurich, Switzerland

Professional Overview

Klemen Kete is an accomplished aviation industry executive with extensive experience in operational management, quality assurance, and safety leadership. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Accountable Manager at Chair Airlines, he oversees the company's day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless and efficient service delivery while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chair Airlines (2021-04-01 to Present)

Responsible for the overall strategic and operational direction of the airline, leading a team of seasoned professionals in achieving organizational goals

Ensures compliance with all relevant aviation regulations and industry standards, including EASA Form 330 requirements

Drives continuous process improvements and operational optimization to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction

Accountable Manager EASA Form 330, Chair Airlines (2023-08-01 to Present)

Accountable for the organization's compliance with EASA regulations, including the implementation and maintenance of the organization's management system

Ensures that the necessary resources are available to support the organization's activities and that the organization's personnel are competent and properly trained

Career Progression

Head Flight Operations/DACM, Chair Airlines (2019-04-01 to 2021-01-01)

Managed all aspects of the airline's flight operations, including crew scheduling, aircraft maintenance, and regulatory compliance

Served as the Designated Accountable Manager, responsible for the organization's safety management system and overall operational safety

Head CM/QM, SM, SeM, Germania Airlines (Fluggesellschaft) (2017-04-01 to 2019-04-01)

Oversaw the airline's compliance management, quality management, safety management, and security management systems

Implemented best practices and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and safety

Head QM/CM, Etihad Regional (2014-01-01 to 2017-01-01)

Managed the airline's quality management and compliance management systems

Played a key role in maintaining regulatory compliance and driving continuous improvement initiatives

QM, Darwin Airline (2011-01-01 to 2013-01-01)

Responsible for the airline's quality management system, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations

Academic Background

Master's Degree in Aviation Management, University of Zurich

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich)

Areas of Expertise

Aviation operations management

Quality assurance and compliance management

Safety management systems

Regulatory oversight and EASA compliance

Continuous process improvement and optimization

Leadership and team development

Professional Impact

Spearheaded the implementation of a comprehensive safety management system at Chair Airlines, resulting in a significant reduction in incident rates and improved operational reliability

Drove the successful integration of two airline operations following a merger, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction

Actively contributes to industry associations and working groups, sharing best practices and contributing to the development of regulatory frameworks

Conclusion

With his extensive experience, strong technical expertise, and proven leadership abilities, Klemen Kete is a seasoned aviation executive who consistently delivers operational excellence and strategic value to the organizations he serves. As the COO of Chair Airlines, he is committed to driving continuous improvement, fostering a culture of safety, and positioning the company for long-term success in the dynamic aviation industry.