FRANCISCO JAVIER LALINDE P
Summary
Accomplished aviation executive with 30+ years of experience driving operational excellence, business transformation, and strategic growth across leading commercial airlines. Proven expertise in maintenance and engineering, flight operations, cost optimization, and organizational leadership, with a strong record of improving operational performance, leading large-scale teams, and delivering sustainable results in highly regulated environments. Recognized for building high-performing organizations, leading complex transformations, and aligning operational strategy with business objectives.
Overview
3
3
Languages
Work History
SVP Maintenance & Engineering
Avianca
Bogotá
2024 - 2026
- Directed maintenance and engineering operations for a large commercial fleet, improving aircraft availability and operational reliability.
- Optimized maintenance planning and resource allocation, increasing productivity while ensuring 100% regulatory compliance.
- Implemented cost-control initiatives that reduced maintenance expenditures without compromising safety or service quality.
- Led cross-functional engineering teams to accelerate operational performance and strengthen asset lifecycle management.
VP Flight Operations
Arajet
Santo Domingo
2023 - 2024
- Spearheaded flight operations strategy, ensuring safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant airline performance.
- Improved operational KPIs through data-driven planning, crew optimization, and process standardization.
- Collaborated with engineering, safety, and commercial teams to enhance on-time performance and operational efficiency.
- Strengthened risk management practices, maintaining high safety standards while supporting network expansion.
Interim CEO | COO | CPO
Viva Air
Medellín
2019 - 2023
- Directed company-wide operations during organizational transformation, leading 1,000+ employees through critical business initiatives.
- Executed strategic cost optimization programs, achieving an industry-leading ~2.9¢ CASK while improving operational efficiency.
- Negotiated commercial agreements and optimized supplier partnerships, maximizing profitability and sustainable growth.
- Championed business transformation, aligning operational, financial, and commercial objectives to improve organizational performance.
VP of Operations
Wingo / Copa Airlines Colombia
Bogotá
2013 - 2019
- Spearheaded the transition to a low-cost carrier model (Wingo), improving operational efficiency and supporting sustainable business growth.
- Directed end-to-end airline operations, sustaining 87%+ critical KPI performance across flight operations, maintenance, and ground services.
- Optimized operational processes through strategic planning and cross-functional leadership, enhancing on-time performance and service reliability..
- Led large multidisciplinary teams to strengthen safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement while driving cost optimization initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
Postgraduate - Production & Services Management
Escuela De Ingeniería De Antioquia
Skills
- Business Transformation
- Operational Excellence
- Maintenance & Engineering Management
- Flight Operations Management
- Strategic Leadership
- Cost Optimization
- Organizational Transformation
- Change Management
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- High-Performance Culture Development
- Performance & KPI Management
Languages
Spanish
Native
Native
English
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Portuguese
Elementary (A2)
A2
Timeline
SVP Maintenance & Engineering
Avianca
2024 - 2026
VP Flight Operations
Arajet
2023 - 2024
Interim CEO | COO | CPO
Viva Air
2019 - 2023
VP of Operations
Wingo / Copa Airlines Colombia
2013 - 2019
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
Postgraduate - Production & Services Management
Escuela De Ingeniería De Antioquia