AFRA 2024 Board of Directors Election
AFRA is holding the annual Board of Directors election. Election is for three (3) positions on the Board in 2024 as per the AFRA Bylaws. AFRA members in good standing can vote for a maximum of three (3) individuals but cannot submit multiple votes for the same individual.
**Only one ballot per AFRA member company may be submitted and counted.
Online Voting Is Open April 29 – May 24, 2024
Voting Form: 2024 AFRA Board of Directors Ballot
Nominees Eligible for Election
- Brent Webb, CAVU Aerospace
- Rafael Ferro, Boeing Global Services
- Scott Butler, Ascent Aviation Services
- Manuel Antonio Lopez Aquilar, Jet Aircraft Services
Nominee Bios
Brent Webb
CAVU Aerospace – United States
As a senior ASA board member and the current AFRA Board President, Mr. Webb, is deeply committed to supporting the growth of the organization. He embarked on his aviation career in 1994 after obtaining his Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering from Southern Methodist University. Beginning at Aircraft Inventory Management & Services, he combined his growing experience in aftermarket aircraft parts distribution with his technology education to drive innovation and profitability through enhancing efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction.
As an ASA Board member, Mr. Webb actively engaged in government affairs, notably contributing to Exemption 8696 and serving on the Regulatory Documentation Interest Group for ATA. His efforts were instrumental in advancing initiatives such as the Electronic 8130-3 and shaping Chapter 5 of FAA Order 8130.21. He also advocated for industry concerns to the Department of Commerce and Congress, particularly regarding FAA reauthorization and aviation safety.
Mr. Webb’s contributions extend beyond advocacy; he has shared his insights as a presenter at ASA and Aeroxchange conferences, earning recognition as a Top 40 Aviation Professional under 40 in 2013. In 2013, he joined AerSale as Vice President of Information Technology and Business Development, facilitating the integration of Xtra Airways and Songbird Airways, and overseeing AerSale’s acquisition of Aero-Mechanical Industries.
Transitioning to CAVU Aerospace in 2016, Mr. Webb continues to focus on optimizing systems and processes in the aircraft fleet aftermarket. Since 2018, he has served on the AFRA Board of Directors.
Rafael Ferro
Market Development & Sustainability
Boeing Global Services – Rome, Italy
Rafael Ferro is Head of Market Development for Boeing Global Services since September 2022, based in Rome, Italy.
Between 2018 and 2022 he worked for Avolon Aerospace Leasing as VP Sales & Marketing – EMEA, based in Dublin, Ireland, where he was responsible for customer relationships and commercial negotiations with airline customers across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Before this, he worked for Rolls-Royce as Marketing Executive – Americas, being responsible for the company marketing strategy and relationship with airline customers across the Americas’ region, with commercial negotiation focus in Latin America. From 2008 to 2016 he worked for LATAM Airlines, where he started as a Powerplant Engineering intern at TAM Linhas Aereas in Sao Paulo, Brazil, moved into different roles and actively participated on the merge between TAM Linhas Aereas and LAN Airlines. His last position at LATAM Airlines was Engine & APU Contracts Director, based in Santiago, Chile.
Rafael holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Escola de Engenharia Maua (Sao Paulo, Brazil), a master’s in business administration degree from Instituto de Ensino FIPE (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and an Accelerated Leadership Program Master from INSEAD (Paris, France). Around Sustainability, he has concluded Executive Education from Cambridge Business School (summer 2022) and Villanova School of Business (1Q 2024). He speaks Portuguese (native), English (fluent), Spanish (fluent) and Italian (advanced).
Scott Butler
Chief Commercial Officer
Ascent Aviation Services – United States
Scott Butler brings a wealth of experience to the aviation industry, currently serving as the Chief Commercial Officer at Ascent Aviation Services since August 2018. In this capacity, he oversees the global sales team, customer service, marketing, and business development across multiple sites and product lines. Previously, Butler held various positions at Zodiac Aerospace, including Director of Sales and Marketing and Sales Manager. In these roles, he was responsible for airline sales and business development in the Asia Pacific region, as well as program management for retrofit projects. Prior to his tenure at Zodiac Aerospace, Butler held roles as a Value Stream Manager at TE Connectivity and a Project Engineer at Rockwell Collins, where he adeptly coordinated sustaining activities and managed financial budgets.
Scott Butler’s educational background is equally impressive, with a BS in Aviation Human Factors and Aerospace Engineering, coupled with an MBA focusing on Data Analytics and International Business. His expertise is further validated by certifications in Financial Management and Strategic Leadership & Management, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and continuous professional development.
Manuel Antonio Lopez Aquilar
Principal
Jet Aircraft Services – Spain
Manuel López Aguilar boasts a distinguished career spanning over four decades in the aviation industry, characterized by his unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation. Armed with a Doctorate in Aeronautical Engineering earned in 1978, López Aguilar embarked on his professional journey, refining his expertise at Pratt & Whitney and Iberia Engineering before ascending to pivotal leadership positions. Notably, he steered Iberia Maintenance to new heights as CEO from 2004 to 2009, leveraging his visionary guidance. Following this success, López Aguilar assumed the role of CEO at Iberia Airlines Commercial & Cargo, where he spearheaded strategic initiatives until 2013.
From 2013 to 2017, López Aguilar served as Chairman and CEO of Babcock Helicopters Spain, France, and Portugal, earning distinction for his exceptional leadership. Since 2017, he has held the position of Principal at Jet Aircraft Services, utilizing his extensive expertise in aircraft fleet transitions, phase in/out processes, and environmental compliance to deliver unparalleled service. Beyond his executive roles, López Aguilar’s influence extends as a consultant, where he lends his insights to shape strategic projects within the airline industry. Moreover, his advocacy for sustainability and environmental responsibility is evident in his support for regulatory frameworks like AFRA, which he believes are pivotal in promoting green practices and ensuring fair competition. López Aguilar’s commitment to industry advancement is further demonstrated by his service on the AFRA Board of Directors since 2021.