Jonathan smyth
New Zealand
Summary
A highly experienced Project and Maintenance Operations Manager with over two decades in the commercial aviation industry. I specialize in managing Part 145 Maintenance Organizations and Flight Operations under international aviation authorities, including NZCAA, CASA, FAA, and EASA. My expertise spans strategic leadership, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and safety management. I have successfully overseen complex maintenance operations, led high-performance teams, and managed operations for leading aviation companies such as Boeing (Wisk), Air New Zealand, and Virgin Australia. With advanced technical qualifications and a passion for aviation, I thrive on challenges that drive innovation and operational excellence.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Maintenance
Boeing (Wisk) Research and Development
01.2024 - Current
- Supported design, certification, flight test, production, quality, and operations for advanced aircraft programs.
- Developed company-wide maintenance manuals, programs, procedures, and training
- Managed New Zealand and Australia operations, including budget oversight, vendor relations, and project delivery
- Interfaced with regulatory authorities (FAA,CASA,CAA OSH, Worksafe) to ensure compliance and operational success
- Led long-term strategic maintenance planning, including staffing and budget models
- Lead and developed high performance teams
New Zealand Operations Manager & Flight Test Maintenance Manager
Boeing (Wisk)
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Oversaw New Zealand operations and flight test facilities, ensuring regulatory compliance
- Led high-performance teams supporting flight test programs and managed on-site safety investigations and continuous improvement initiatives
- Allocated resources for personnel, equipment, and facilities to meet operational demands
Senior Flight Test Maintenance Engineer
Boeing (Wisk)
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Delivered maintenance and technical support for flight test operations
- Ensured aircraft readiness and compliance with safety standards
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address technical challenges
Line Maintenance Supervisor
Air New Zealand (ANZRML)
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Managed Auckland line and overnight maintenance base, including GSE oversight
- Trained high performance teams and supervised field service engineering repairs across New Zealand
- Ensured safety compliance and achieved KPIs through effective team leadership
- AOG and MEL support
Project Manager
Virgin Australia – ANZRML
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Led heavy inspections, engine/prop changes, and aircraft storage projects
- Maintained strict compliance with SMS, QMS, and operational procedures
- Project managed airport stakeholder relationships
- Led design of storage equipment
- managed rotable aircraft parts and LRU Storage
Heavy Maintenance Production/Projects Leader
ANZRML
01.2015 - 12.2017
- Directed heavy maintenance teams, meeting project goals and customer expectations
- Oversaw the end-to-end planning and execution of heavy maintenance projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards were met.
- Managed resource allocation, including manpower, tooling, and materials, to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
- Directed multidisciplinary teams of engineers, technicians, and support staff, fostering a high-performance culture to deliver successful project outcomes.
Maintenance Manager/Director
Flight Tech
01.2012 - 12.2013
- Managed Part 145 maintenance operations, including SMS and QMS development
- Oversaw the supply chain and maintenance documentation
- Established and maintained an effective Safety Management System (SMS), including hazard identification, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies.
- Acted as the primary interface with airline clients, providing updates on maintenance progress and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
Education
Diploma Aeronautical Maintenance (Level 6) - Aviation
NZQCF
Diploma of Aviation Management (Level 6) - Aviation Management
Southpac Aerospace
Queensland Australia Skills
- Strategic Maintenance Operations
- Regulatory Compliance (NZCAA, CASA, FAA, EASA)
- Quality & Safety Management (Lead Auditor, SMS/QMS)
- Project Management & Leadership
- Maintenance Program Development
- Aircraft Systems Expertise: Electric, Piston, Turbine Propulsion Systems , Rotorcraft, Advanced Air Mobility ,Turboprop,
- Technical Support & Field Engineering
- Airline Technical Document Writing eg SMS, GMM, AMM, Part 42, 145, Procedures & SOP development, Maintenance training courses, Ground procedures
- Maintenance Management Systems: Siemens Teamcenter, Polarion, Jira, SAP, AirNav, Trax
- Advanced Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills
- Software Proficiency: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Google Systems, Project Management, Linux, Basic terminal code
- Specialized Skills: Regulatory audits of quality & safety management systems , and technical training development Part 21,43, 100, 102 ,145, 147, 135, 121
Certification
- CASA (Australian) Aircraft Engineers License: B1 (ICAO Type II)
- NZCAA Aircraft Engineers License: 5 Category, Engine, Airframe, Instrument, Radio, Electrical
- Type Ratings: ATR42/72 (500 & 600), Q300 DASH8, P&W 100 Series, Cessna Turboprop Series, General Aviation lower group Rating(s)
- Rotorcraft Expertise: Robinson, Hughes 300/500, MD500, Bell 206, AS350 Astar (B2/B3)
- Level 6 Diplomas: Aviation Management, Advanced Leadership, Aircraft Engineering, Aerospace Quality & Safety Auditing
- Lead Safety Investigator Qualification
- Comprehensive First Aid Certificate
- Forklift Operators Certificate
Hobbies and Interests
- Aircraft kit building and maintenance (currently building a 70% scale P-51 Mustang).
- Backcountry flying and Aero Club events.
- Mountain biking, trail running, water skiing, camping, and hiking.
Timeline
Head of Maintenance
Boeing (Wisk) Research and Development
01.2024 - Current
New Zealand Operations Manager & Flight Test Maintenance Manager
Boeing (Wisk)
01.2019 - 01.2021
Senior Flight Test Maintenance Engineer
Boeing (Wisk)
01.2019 - 01.2021
Line Maintenance Supervisor
Air New Zealand (ANZRML)
01.2018 - 01.2019
Project Manager
Virgin Australia – ANZRML
01.2017 - 12.2017
Heavy Maintenance Production/Projects Leader
ANZRML
01.2015 - 12.2017
Maintenance Manager/Director
Flight Tech
01.2012 - 12.2013
Diploma Aeronautical Maintenance (Level 6) - Aviation
NZQCF
Diploma of Aviation Management (Level 6) - Aviation Management
Southpac Aerospace
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