Cristine Kirk, President and CEO of Malone AirCharter, is reshaping her Jacksonville-based company while taking on a national leadership role as the newly elected Chair of the NATA Board of Directors. With more than 15 years in business aviation, Kirk has led Malone’s growth from a small charter operation to a four-aircraft fleet serving high-net-worth individuals, corporate travelers, and fractional program clients. Since acquiring the company in 2021, she has emphasized safety, fiscal discipline, and a people-first culture — supported by rigorous training, Wyvern Registered Operator status, and operational improvements following the company’s strategic relocation to Jacksonville International Airport (KJAX). Malone AirCharter is on track to grow from 1,145 charter hours in 2024 to approximately 1,500 in 2025, with continued expansion ahead.
As NATA Board Chair, Kirk is focused on strengthening engagement with part 135 operators, advancing workforce development across all aviation business sectors, and building stronger collaboration among charter companies, FBOs, maintenance providers, and other aviation businesses. She sees NATA as a critical force in elevating safety, expanding career pathways, and providing advocacy and resources for operators navigating an increasingly complex environment. “We are strongest when we work together to solve challenges and elevate our industry,” she says. Guided by core values and a belief in shared expertise, Kirk is helping drive progress both at Malone AirCharter and across the broader aviation community.
