Sunrise Airways Appoints Industry Veteran Gary Stone as Chief Executive Officer

Sunrise Airways, a Caribbean airline, has announced a significant restructuring of its leadership team, appointing Gary Stone as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mr. Stone, a seasoned aviation executive with over 30 years of experience, joins Sunrise from Sabre Corporation, where he held the position of Vice President and Regional General Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean, overseeing substantial operations generating over US$110 million in revenue. This transition marks a new chapter for Sunrise Airways, positioning the company for further growth and expansion within the Caribbean region.

The founder and principal shareholder of Sunrise Airways, Philippe Bayard, will assume the role of Chairman. In this capacity, Mr. Bayard will focus on the airline’s long-term vision and strategic direction. His responsibilities will include providing guidance to the executive leadership team, fostering regional partnerships, promoting Caribbean integration, and ensuring the sustainable growth of the airline. This shift allows Mr. Bayard to focus on broader strategic goals while Mr. Stone manages the day-to-day operations and execution of the company’s vision.

Jean-Sébastien Bayard, who possesses eight years of experience within Sunrise Airways and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a diploma in Entrepreneurship, has been appointed Deputy CEO. He will work closely with Mr. Stone to implement the company’s strategic initiatives and operational objectives. His focus will be on driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and furthering the integration of Sunrise Airways within the Caribbean region. The appointment of Mr. Bayard underscores the airline’s commitment to cultivating internal talent and ensuring a smooth leadership transition.

Mr. Stone’s extensive experience in the aviation industry, combined with his deep understanding of the Caribbean market, makes him a strong fit for Sunrise Airways. He began his career at American Airlines and later held leadership positions at Radixx International, a prominent airline software provider, as well as various other aviation companies across Latin America and the Caribbean. However, the most significant portion of his career, spanning over two decades, was spent at Sabre Corporation, culminating in his role as Vice President and Regional General Manager.

A significant factor in Mr. Stone’s appointment is his strong connection to the Caribbean. Raised in Puerto Rico, he possesses a deep affinity for the region and a dedicated commitment to enhancing regional connectivity within the Americas and Europe. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from St. Thomas University, providing a strong foundation for navigating the technological advancements within the aviation industry. This combination of experience, cultural understanding, and educational background makes Mr. Stone well-equipped to lead Sunrise Airways through its next phase of growth.

Sunrise Airways operates under three separate Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) – in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Eastern Caribbean – providing a strategic foundation for expansion within the region. This structure allows for flexibility and localized operations, catering to the specific needs and regulations of each market. The new leadership appointments are strategically aligned with the airline’s mission to create a unified and efficient “One Caribbean” travel network, facilitating seamless travel and promoting greater integration throughout the Caribbean. This approach aims to streamline operations, enhance connectivity, and ultimately improve the travel experience for passengers within the region. The combined expertise of Mr. Stone and Mr. Bayard, supported by the guidance of Mr. Philippe Bayard as Chairman, positions Sunrise Airways for a successful future in the competitive Caribbean aviation market.