We have pilot and loadmaster crew teams stationed at MIA currently and will accommodate to wherever our customers need to operate.
Chief Executive Officer
Keith brings more than 40 years of senior leadership experience across transportation, logistics, and air cargo operations, with a proven record of building resilient organizations, navigating complex regulatory environments, and scaling operations with discipline and purpose. Throughout his career, he has led global logistics networks and highly regulated transportation platforms; experience that directly aligns with where 21 Air is headed.
His background includes leadership roles at Roadway Express, Sea-Land Services, and multiple senior executive positions within the Crane Group, including CEO and COO of Crane Worldwide Logistics and Davaco. Across these roles, Keith has consistently focused on business growth, operational excellence, safety, compliance, and —most importantly— people.
Chief Operating Officer
Vice President of Finance
Rubens Rizzato joined 21 Air in 2026 as Vice President of Finance, leading Finance and Human Resources. He brings over 20 years of experience in finance, including more than 15 years supporting airport retail operations.
Prior to joining 21 Air, Rubens held senior finance leadership roles at The Estée Lauder Companies, leading FP&A, capital planning, financial transformation, and operational finance initiatives across global brands and markets. Earlier in his career, he also held finance, demand planning, sales, and marketing positions with Bijoux Terner, Brasif/Brex America, Procter & Gamble, and Newell Brands.
Rubens holds an MBA from the University of Florida and a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing.
Director of Maintenance
Kerry has over 40 years of experience in Technical Operations. This time includes 9 years in the US Air Force as a Flight Mechanic and Crew Chief followed by a series of positions in the private sector, including DHL Airways/Astar Air Cargo, Southern Air, Kitty Hawk Airways, and others.
Prior to 21 Air, Kerry served as the Vice President of Maintenance Operations at Alpine Air and has served in numerous leadership roles with FAR 121/135/145 operations. Kerry built and led a team from the ground up in support of key customers such as DHL, UPS, FedEx, and the USPS while operating 70 aircraft per day.
Director of Operations
Anthony (Tony) Tirri has over 30 years in the aviation industry including below the wing services, flying and aviation management. Earning positions of owner/operator CAF ground handling, Line Check and Proficiency Check Airman, EVP International Air Leases and Chief Pilot of several FAR 121 Passenger and Cargo Airlines.
Chief Pilot
Jorge has been a commercial pilot for over 30 years, with over 25 in commercial FAR 121 passenger and cargo airlines both international and domestic. He has over 14,000 hours of total flight time and extensive experience across a wide range of aircraft.
Since joining 21 Air in 2022, Jorge has held leadership roles including Assistant Chief Pilot, Ground Instructor, Line Check Airman, SIM Proficiency Check Airman, and Check Pilot Inspector. His prior experience includes serving as Director of Training, Line and SIM Check Airman, and Ground Instructor.
Known for a professional demeanor, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit, he prioritizes safety, leadership, and customer satisfaction.
Director of Information Technology
Sebastian brings over 25 years of IT leadership and digital transformation experience in aviation, logistics, and cargo operations. As Director of Information Technology at 21 Air, he defines and executes the airline’s strategic IT roadmap, driving infrastructure modernization, cloud strategy, cybersecurity, and efficiency across Flight Ops, Tech Ops, and enterprise systems
Prior to joining 21 Air, Sebastian served as Head of IT Americas at Swissport, leading regional teams and technology operations across 150+ stations, and as IT Director at Centurion Cargo Group, overseeing multinational cloud and data center operations. His background also includes strategic IT consulting for airlines, ground handlers, and freight forwarders, consistently delivering scalable technology aligned with core business goals
Director of Safety
Blanca Cortes brings more than 20 years of aviation industry experience in airline operations, safety leadership, regulatory compliance, and operational risk management. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles across safety, flight operations, and compliance within FAR Part 121 passenger and cargo airline operations.
Prior to joining 21 Air, Blanca led Safety Management System (SMS) programs, safety investigations, risk assessments, regulatory compliance initiatives, and safety analytics functions. She has collaborated closely with executive leadership, operational teams, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Department of Defense (DoD) stakeholders to strengthen safety culture and support safe, compliant, and efficient operations.
Senior Human Resources Manager
Ximena Knittel joined 21 Air in 2022 and serves as Senior Human Resources Manager, leading the company’s Human Resources function. She brings more than 20 years of experience in human resources, with extensive expertise in aviation and aerospace. She oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, compliance, organizational development, payroll, and HR strategy, partnering with leadership to support business growth and operational excellence.
Prior to joining 21 Air, Ximena held senior Human Resources leadership positions supporting large, multi-site organizations with workforces of more than 500 employees. Her experience includes leading HR operations, implementing HR technology and payroll systems, developing HR policies and employee programs, ensuring FAA and DOT regulatory compliance, overseeing employee relations and talent acquisition, managing organizational change initiatives, and driving process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and the employee experience.
