On January 18, 2019, CommutAir, a United Express regional carrier, announced the appointment of Richard (Rick) Hoefling to the role of president and chief executive officer, effective February 1. Hoefling served as vice president – Newark for United Airlines and oversaw the carrier’s operations at both Newark Liberty and LaGuardia airports, which average more than 450 daily flight departures, with combined staffing of more than 14,000 employees. Prior to this, Rick led United’s Station Operations Center at Newark and was responsible for the hub’s strategic planning and business development. In addition, he has coordinated air traffic systems and emergency response teams, designed and executed business continuity plans, and overseen all facilities maintenance and vendor contracts at the hub.
“CommutAir operates approximately 150 daily flights to and from cities that United serves in the eastern half of the U.S. and Canada, connecting them to United’s large hubs at Newark and Washington Dulles,” said CommutAir Executive Chairman John Sullivan. “Rick’s career has included direct leadership responsibility for all aspects of the hub’s operational performance for all of United’s flights, including those of its regional partners. Rick’s 34 years of experience will be indispensable to our company, especially as we are planning for network and fleet growth. We are pleased to welcome Rick, his wife Tracy, daughter Lauren and his son Ricky into the CommutAir family.” ACN
