Our Team


Gentry Long
Chief Operating Officer

Gentry has more than a decade of experience in the aviation industry. He is young, passionate, driven and always full of energy, as if he was born for aviation. He received a bachelor's degree in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott in 2010 to 2014.

Gentry is currently an active pilot, flying the G650 and G-V. He has held a variety of roles, from pilot to aircraft operations, management and leadership, and always infects those around him with his passion for aviation.


Allen Chen
CFO

Allen is a former auditor at KPMG, one of the largest accounting and professional services firms in the world providing audit, tax, advisory services. During his time in the consulting industry, Allen oversaw a variety of engagements, collaborating with various teams to execute complex projects with some of the largest Banks and Financial Institutions in the world. Allen’s clients have also included those in Manufacturing & Distribution, Insurance, Private Equity, Retail Stores, FinTech startup, and computer hardware industries. Prior to joining Pegasus Elite Aviation, Allen’s primary focus was on providing financial services and enterprise risk management consulting services to large financial banking institutions with major focus on Asset Liability Management, Bank Regulatory Compliance, Sarbanes-Oxley 404 Compliance, and Banking Regulatory Remediations.


Ryan Purdy
VP of Sales

Joining the Pegasus Elite Aviation team in 2015, Ryan's substantial background in customer service and professional sales has allowed him to demonstrate strong leadership and team-building skills that serve our Sales Executives in achieving performance goals.

He's successfully built and maintained long term relationships with our valued clientele, and is recognized for his ambitious nature, competitive drive and raising the bar for sales performance. He motivates his team to meet and exceed sales objectives.


Yan Yukito
VP of Business Development

Yan is an accomplished, high-experienced executive and pilot with 35 plus years experience in aviation industry specializing in the heavy jet charter business. Born and raised in San Francisco, California, Yan has spent his career in managing worldwide heavy jet charter operations with 20 plus aircraft primarily Gulfstream models along with running his own financial business for 35 years.

He received his Bachelor's of Science in International Business and Marketing from San Francisco State University. Yan is airline transport pilot current and Qua Lau type rated in GIV, GV, G450, G550 G650 and BBJ and EMB 505 SIC and CE500.


Adam Stanley
VP of Maintenance

Adam Stanley is a self-motivated and strong leader capable of promptly and effectively monitoring, coordinating, and communicating strategic objectives throughout the company to help bridge and develop relationships. Prior to joining Pegasus Elite, Adam served as Director of Maintenance for the 4th largest charter operator in the US. He also has 15 years’ experience with Gulfstream Aerospace, where he was responsible for FAST team operations supporting AOG aircraft all over the world. He is dedicated to safety and quality in aviation with a passion for continuous improvement. Adam is an Ohio native and graduate from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics.


Annie Akmakjian
VP of Administration

With over 30 years of general aviation experience, Annie has had exposure to almost every aspect of the aviation industry. Her understanding in general operations management, human resources, and administration indicate the extensive roles she has filled over the years and continues to do so today. A major part of Annie's experience includes her dealings with the FAA’s safety, regulatory, and operations departments. Annie overlooks the certified 145 repair station as the accountable manager and is also responsible for overseeing the drug and alcohol abatement program. Annie continues to exhibit her passion for aviation with the utmost professionalism and reliability.


Jason Martinelli
Director of Operations

Jason Martinelli’s Aviation experience started back when he was a junior in High School where he fueled and washed airplanes to help pay for his flying lessons. After graduating with a B.S. Aviation Technology degree from Le Tourneau University with his CFI and A&P license he has been flying Part 135 ever since. He flew as a bush pilot, air ambulance, cargo, and has worked as an A&P mechanic. Corporate Jet Pilot experience started in 1996 flying a Westwind and got into the Gulfstreams in 2001. In the last 22 years Jason has been a 135 Chief Pilot and Director of Operations while flying Gulfstream II-VI aircraft. Jason is currently flying the GVI (G650) and extremely excited to be part of the team.


Jose Covarrubias
Director of Maintenance

Jose Covarrubias is a highly experienced and dedicated Director of Maintenance with a strong focus on safety and compliance in the aviation industry. His successful tenure as the Assistant Director of Maintenance for a Part 135 operation showcased his ability to effectively manage and execute maintenance operations for a fleet of high-utilization charter aircraft, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. With his extensive experience and expertise, Jose brings valuable skills to his role at Pegasus Elite Aviation. His commitment to safety, compliance, and maintaining top-notch performance makes him an invaluable asset to the company. 


Steven Grullon
Chief Pilot

Steven brings a wealth of experience to his leadership position at Pegasus Elite Aviation , having served prior companies as a Chief Pilot, and Director of Operations . Over a career spanning decades, Steven has amassed more than 9,000 flight hours, including extensive accident- and incident-free time piloting Gulfstream G-II, G-III ,G-IV,G-V, G-VI, Hawkers, Citations, Learjet, Falcons, and Boeing 737NG aircraft.

He Started learning how to fly at an age of 14 year. Throughout his career, he has lived and operated out of the Caribbean, Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe. Steven holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Aviation Management & Aviation Aviation Safety.


Nanees Said
Chief Flight Attendant

Upon completing her college education, Nanees Said was directly recruited into the world of private aviation, a testament to her exceptional culinary skills. Specializing in French cuisine, she quickly earned a reputation as a top-tier chef for our high-profile clients, consistently delivering exquisite dining experiences in the skies.

With over 20 years of experience in the private jet charter industry, Nanees stands as a paragon of loyalty, empathy, adaptability, and quick problem-solving. Her 14 years with Pegasus highlighted her leadership, guiding a dedicated team of flight attendants with her deep knowledge and multifaceted skills. Her role is comprehensive, encompassing flying, training, and contributing to the design and outfitting of our aircraft.

A seasoned traveler, Nanees has visited over 100 countries. Her deep-seated passion for flying is intertwined with her love for travel, her natural hospitality, and her commitment to ensuring every flight offers an unmatched dining experience for our esteemed passengers.

Nanees Said is not just our Lead Flight Attendant; she is the heart and soul of our mission to elevate the private flying experience. Her dedication to excellence, coupled with her culinary artistry and innovative leadership, ensures that our clients enjoy nothing short of extraordinary. At Pegasus, we are proud to have Nanees charting the course for unparalleled service in the skies, making every journey with us an epitome of luxury and exclusivity.


Stephen Tary
Director of safety

Stephen has many years of experience in the aviation industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Technology from Thomas Edison State College and a Master of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He is a pilot who has worked for commercial airlines and private jet charter companies. He has many years of flying experience and many years of D.O work experience.

He always regards providing customers with safe and comfortable transportation as his only work goal and mission.


Matthew Redmond
Senior Operations Manager

Starting with Pegasus Elite Aviation in 2018 Matt’s experience and knowledge now leads the dedicated charter dispatch team responsible for the successful operations of owner and charter trips. They ensure all landing permits, customs, immigration, overnight permits, fuel and crew accommodations exceed expectations while also executing Pegasus Elite Aviation’s practices and standards.

Matt’s previous 12 years of experience with high end clients as a golf PGA Apprentice throughout Southern California was a perfect fit coupled with his BS Degree from California State University, Fresno, for his current position.