Priester Aviation Promotes Victor Schaefer to National Charter Sales Director

With a growing base of national accounts and clientele, Priester Aviation has announced the promotion of a sales specialist to lead its charter aircraft division. The private aircraft management, charter, and management provider is promoting Victor Schaefer to National Director of Charter Sales.

Schaefer, who previously served in a similar position for Colorado-based Mayo Aviation, will now lead charter sales for all of the Priester Aviation family of companies, including Priester, Mayo, and Atlanta-based Hill Private Aviation.

“Victor brings an energy to the position that helps build long-term relationships and fosters a success-driven team,” said Priester Aviation President Rich Ropp. “With his sales and charter experience, he focuses on creating an environment that empowers his team, and serves to provide the best outcomes for charter customers and aircraft owners alike.”

Schaefer, a South Florida native, played NCAA Division I men’s volleyball at Lewis University in Illinois, graduating from the nationally recognized aeronautics-focused school with a degree in aviation administration. He jumped into charter brokering and has sold jet memberships, built sales teams, and helped develop startup sales operations. Fulfilling a lifelong passion for aviation, he has earned a private pilot license with instrument rating, while working on a commercial license.

In his decade in private aviation, Schaefer frequently handled accounts of VIP and high-end net-worth clients, handling detailed logistics and managing the experiences of these individuals. He joined Mayo Aviation shortly after Priester’s 2021 acquisition. There he grew Mayo’s charter volume and promoted its mountain-terrain charter experience, setting it apart in the region.

“Priester and Mayo’s family leadership and dedication to its customers drew me in,” Schaefer said. “I’m looking forward to growing this team and taking advantage of the national footprint we have in the Midwest, West, and South. We have an enviable range of aircraft that we can provide for clients to fulfill their mission.” 

Schaefer will work closely with Ropp and the aircraft management team, to bring more managed aircraft customers into charter service, helping reduce their operating expenses. Since moving to Priester’s national position, Schaefer has already helped secure a multi-aircraft charter agreement with a major Chicagoland business