Cristine Kirk, President and CEO of Malone AirCharter, is not only reshaping the future of her Jacksonville-based company, she’s also helping steer the broader aviation industry as the newly elected Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Air Transportation Association (NATA).

With over 15 years of hands-on experience in business aviation, Kirk brings a clear and steady voice to both roles. Her leadership is defined by a deep respect for team expertise, a strong commitment to safety and fiscal discipline, and a passion for building sustainable growth through shared knowledge and collaboration.

“I’ve never believed that leadership is about doing everything yourself,” Kirk says. “At Malone, we build on the collective experience of our team of technicians, pilots, and staff to deliver exceptional service. That same philosophy informs how I approach national advocacy and industry progress through NATA.”

From Staff Accountant to CEO

Kirk joined Malone AirCharter in 2010 as a staff accountant shortly after earning her degree in accounting from the University of North Florida. She rose through the ranks, serving as CFO before acquiring the company in 2021. In her first year as owner, she made bold strategic moves including relocating the operation to Jacksonville International Airport (KJAX), where greater runway capacity and space positioned the company for long-term expansion.

“Moving to JAX gave us the infrastructure we needed to grow responsibly,” says Kirk. “It allows us to scale our services while keeping full control over safety, quality, and cost, all core to our values.”

Today, Malone AirCharter operates a fleet of four business jets, including super-midsize, midsize, and light aircraft, and manages a growing customer base of high-net-worth individuals, corporate travelers, and leading fractional program clients. Kirk expects the company to log approximately 1,500 charter hours in 2025, up from 1,145 in 2024, with further growth on the horizon as the fleet expands and demand increases.

A People-First Culture Driving Performance

Under Kirk’s leadership, Malone AirCharter has fostered a workplace culture that prioritizes excellence, work-life balance, and collaboration. These qualities have helped the company retain top talent during a challenging labor market.

“We don’t just talk about supporting our team, we strive to structure our operations around it,” Kirk explains. “Our pilots enjoy consistent schedules and time at home, and our mechanics are valued experts working in a collaborative, type-specific environment. That culture is why people stay.”

The company employs 24 team members, including 10 pilots and three A&P mechanics, with plans to hire at least six more pilots and an additional mechanic in the next year. Kirk is deeply involved in maintaining high operational standards, requiring all captains to hold Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificates and ensuring all flight crew undergo rigorous in-house and FlightSafety training.

Malone AirCharter also holds a Wyvern Registered Operator rating and uses Wyvern PASS to vet brokered flights, underscoring its safety-first approach.

“Safety and service go hand-in-hand,” says Kirk. “Our clients rely on us not only to get them there, but to get it perfect, every time.”

Leading the Industry Forward Through NATA

As Chair of NATA’s Board of Directors, Kirk brings her operational insights and collaborative mindset to a national platform. She is committed to expanding NATA’s reach, increasing Part 135 operator engagement, and ensuring the association reflects the full diversity and dynamism of the aviation industry.

“One of my top priorities is to help NATA strengthen its voice and relevance, especially for operators that may feel isolated navigating complex regulations or workforce challenges,” she says. “We are stronger when we work together.”

Kirk sees NATA as an essential force in shaping the future of business aviation from workforce development and safety initiatives to meaningful advocacy at the federal level.

“There’s a real opportunity to grow awareness of careers beyond the airlines and bring new talent into Part 135, Part 145, and related sectors,” she says. “NATA plays a vital role in that ecosystem by educating, connecting, and advocating.”

She also aims to foster greater collaboration across the full range of aviation businesses represented by NATA, including FBOs, maintenance providers, and aircraft management companies.

“We need strong communication and a unified front to address industry-wide challenges, whether it’s regulatory complexity, infrastructure limitations, or recruiting skilled professionals,” Kirk says. “I want to help create those bridges.”

Grounded in Values, Geared for Growth

Looking ahead, Kirk envisions Malone AirCharter growing its fleet to 10 aircraft, likely adding more Citation and Bombardier models through new owner partnerships. But she emphasizes that growth will never come at the expense of standards.

“Every decision we make is rooted in our core values of safety, service, expertise, and responsibility,” she says. “That’s what earns trust, drives performance, and ensures we’re building something that lasts.”

From Jacksonville to Washington, D.C., Cristine Kirk is leading with clarity, purpose, and a belief in the power of collaboration, working to redefine what it means to run a modern air charter business and helping chart a path forward for the entire industry.