Team
The In Flight Solutions – Engineering & Maintenance team at comprises individuals with diverse technical skills and extensive experience, making our team exceptionally versatile. Each member brings a unique set of expertise, contributing to the synergy that drives our success.
Bernardo Claro da Fonseca
Chief Executive Officer
Bernardo Claro da Fonseca is a seasoned professional with a diverse educational background. He pursued his studies at École hôtelière in Lausanne, where he obtained a postgraduate degree in Inflight Management. Additionally, he holds qualifications in business management from the Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias and Owner/President management and business administration from Harvard Business School.
From a young age, Bernardo seamlessly balanced his academic pursuits with hands-on work experience. His journey in the aviation industry commenced in 1998 when he joined PGA Airlines as Inflight Service Manager and Procurement specialist.
In 2003, Bernardo founded Inflight Solutions, a venture that rapidly evolved to offer a comprehensive range of services, including IFS Engineering & Maintenance with Easa Part 145 M certification, IFS Ground services, and IFS Training and consulting.
Displaying a visionary approach, Bernardo expanded the group internationally in October 2013, establishing Ambaar Lounge in Brazil. Ambaar Lounge specializes in the design, construction, and management of lounges, swiftly gaining recognition as a market leader. Currently, Bernardo Fonseca is spearheading the group’s growth, extending operations to multiple airports. His time is divided between Brazil and Portugal, reflecting his commitment to enhancing the company’s global presence.
Vitor Rodrigues
Chief Operating Officer
Vitor Rodrigues embarked on his aviation career in 1985 when he enlisted in the Air Force. During his tenure in the Armed Forces, he fulfilled diverse roles, notably serving as an Inflight and Survival Equipment Inspection Technician. In 1999, he transitioned to Cateringpor, where he assumed the role of Customer Equipment Manager.
In 2006, Vitor joined EuroAtlantic Airways as a Flight Operations Officer, marking a significant chapter in his professional journey. In 2003, he co-founded In Flight Solutions, where he took on the pivotal role of Chief Operations Officer. In this capacity, he played a key role in the establishment and oversight of various business areas, including Passenger Handling, On Board Assistance, Aircraft Cleaning, GSE Equipment Maintenance, Certified Area for C6 Aircraft Component Maintenance, and the Aviation Training Academy.
As the current Chief Operating Officer, Vitor oversees all operations at IFS E&M, leveraging his extensive experience and expertise to ensure the seamless functioning of the company.
Pedro Martins
Engineering & Maintenance Director
Pedro Martins is a highly accomplished aviation professional holding a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. With over a decade of expertise in 24/7 aviation logistics and service operations, Pedro’s journey in the industry commenced in 2012 at In Flight Solutions.
Pedro’s career trajectory reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence. He began by overseeing ground support equipment (GSE) maintenance, demonstrating his hands-on understanding of operational intricacies. Over the years, he progressively ascended to a leadership role, ultimately taking charge of In Flight Solutions – Engineering & Maintenance.
Known for his exceptional communication skills and a knack for effective organization, Pedro has consistently proven himself in challenging environments. His ability to thrive in cost-controlled, high-standard service settings underscores his dedication to operational efficiency and quality service delivery.
Currently pursuing an MBA at Nova SBE, CATÓLICA-LISBON, and MIT Sloan, Pedro’s commitment to continuous improvement and leadership development is evident. His adaptability and focused approach within the dynamic aviation landscape position him as a driving force in steering our team towards success. Pedro’s wealth of knowledge in aviation operations, combined with his proactive mindset, align seamlessly with our organization’s mission and values.
José Andrade
Quality Manager
José Andrade, a distinguished retired Major General in the field of aeronautical engineering, earned his degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1970. Throughout his illustrious career, he held key positions at OGMA, where he served as the Head of the Studies and Projects section, Technical Support Office, Helicopters and Mechanical Assemblies Maintenance Division, Aircraft Maintenance Division, Production Planning and Control Division, IT Service, and Personnel and Logistics Support Service.
Within the Air Force, José Andrade assumed pivotal roles such as Commander of the Material Group at the Montijo Air Base, Sub-Director of the Supply Directorate, Director of the Mechanics and Aeronautics Directorate, and Director of the F-16 Programme. Following his retirement from active service, he contributed his expertise as the Auditor and Quality Director of Heliavia, and further established himself as a Consultant/Auditor specializing in ISO 9001:2008 and 9120:2005 Certification.
José’s extensive training encompasses a diverse range of courses, including the Skymaster Series Factory Maintenance Course, General Air War Course, Stock Management Course, ACE Senior Office Orientation Course at the National Defence Institute (IDN). Additionally, he completed courses in Quality Auditing, National Defence, Higher Air War, Airport Security (Level 1), EASA Part M/Part 145 Training, Maintenance Resource Management, Operational Quality, Aeronautical Institutional Context and Legislation, and Safety Management Systems. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development underscores his dedication to ensuring the highest standards of quality and excellence in every aspect of our operations.
Gonçalo Silva
Chief Financial Officer
Gonçalo Silva is a highly qualified professional in the financial area, holding a postgraduate degree in Banking and Insurance Management and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from ISEG.
With over a decade of experience in financial management for rapidly growing companies in Europe and Africa, his career began in 2004 in logistics and transportation companies. In 2014, he started his international career in Africa in the construction sector and later in the supply chain and distribution of chemicals.
Gonçalo’s career reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence. Initially, he supported the integration of acquired companies within the group he worked for, demonstrating practical knowledge of operational complexities and the ability to define and implement processes in the financial area. Over the years, he continuously progressed to leadership roles, eventually assuming broader functional responsibilities.
His ability to excel in challenging environments where financial planning, cost control, and high standards are crucial highlights his commitment to operational efficiency and the delivery of quality services.
Currently completing his studies at The Lisbon MBA, Gonçalo’s dedication to continuous improvement and leadership development is evident. His adaptability and focused approach in the dynamic financial landscape position him as a driving force to guide our team towards success. Gonçalo’s extensive experience in financial operations, coupled with his proactive mindset, align perfectly with our organization’s mission and values.
Fernando Rodrigues
Security Manger / Head of Part145 MRO
Fernando Rodrigues began his professional journey with a distinguished 10-year service in the military, refining skills in logistical-administrative operations and human resources management. In 2012, he joined In Flight Solutions, contributing significantly to the management of the Component Workshop Part 145 Warehouse. During his time as Warehouse Manager, Fernando pioneered the development and implementation of the current warehouse management software, applying it seamlessly to procedural and documentary processes within the Part 145 Workshop.
Advancing his responsibilities, Fernando assumed the role of Planning Manager for the components repair area, orchestrating strategic initiatives and optimizing operational efficiency. Since 2016, he has concurrently served as the Security Manager at In Flight Solutions. A graduate in Management, Fernando completed his degree in 2009. His continuous pursuit of professional development includes diverse aviation-related training, with notable focus on certifications in Part 145 Organizations and Civil Aviation Security Management.
Presently, Fernando holds the position of Head of the EASA Part 145 at In Flight Solutions – Engineering & Maintenance, overseeing the MRO operations. His dynamic leadership and multifaceted expertise underscore his invaluable contributions to the organization’s success.
Jonathan Silva
Director of GSE Engineering & Maintenance
Jonathan Silva is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from the Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, having completed his degree in 2020. In the same year, he ventured into the aviation industry through In Flight Solutions – Engineering & Maintenance. An ambitious and determined individual, Jonathan successfully balanced his academic pursuits by working part-time throughout his undergraduate studies.
Currently serving as the Director of GSE Engineering & Maintenance, Jonathan holds responsibilities as a project and maintenance engineer. In this role, he takes charge of overseeing the development, construction, and both preventive and corrective maintenance of aviation ground support equipment. Jonathan distinguishes himself through his exceptional strategic planning skills, innovative mindset, leadership abilities, and keen analytical vision.
Proficient in handling industrial equipment, Jonathan effectively leads and coordinates In Flight Solutions – Engineering & Maintenance GSE operations. His commitment to excellence and continuous improvement is evident in his dedication to optimizing processes and ensuring the reliability of aviation ground support equipment.