Commonwealth Airways Staff

Jon was born in Lanark, Scotland and raised in the village of Stonehouse before his family immigrated to the United States in the early 1980's. 

He grew up in New England before building a life in public safety first as an volunteer EMT in New Jersey, followed by almost two decades as a Law Enforcement Deputy Sheriff in Florida. 

A cancer diagnosis ended his public service career, but opened the door to other ways to serve local communities. After successfully beating the odds, Jon dedicated himself to the idea that access to opportunities is the lynchpin to success.

Opportunities to travel, to work, to learn, to grow, and to thrive can all be achieved through affordable, reliable, community connectivity.

From that foundation, Jon has built Commonwealth Airways to provide affordable, reliable access to those opportunities for communities and families across the country.

Jon is married and lives in central Maine.

Vince is a consummate aviation and governmental affairs professional with extensive airline startup, operations, and consulting experience complemented by more than a decade of public service.

Vince was an integral part of the startup team for the original People Express Airlines, responsible for ground operations as well as Hub and Station operations. 

His more than three decades of experience across the startup and operational spectrum including contract services, transitioning to in-house workers, and supervising the development of  terminal and ground crew operations gives him invaluable insight into the growth of Commonwealth Airways. 

Vince brings a pragmatic eye to bear on every aspect of  our startup journey and brings his depth of knowledge and experience to Commonwealth Airways. 

Vince is married and currently lives in New York City.

Tony comes to Commonwealth Airways with over 44 years of aviation experience including 36 years at American Airlines and most recently 2+ years flying Learjets for a Part 135/91 operator.  

At AA, in addition to being a B-777 international captain, Tony held the positions of Base Chief Pilot and Regional Director of Flight with oversight of 1800 pilots and an office staff of 10 support personnel.  

Tony brings an extensive blend of both line operations and management experience to the table as he builds our Flight Operations at Commonwealth Airways.  

Tony is a resident of Beverly Ma., attended the North Shore Community College Aviation Sciences program and has 3 grown children and 3 Grand Dogs! 

Tracy grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, attending High School at Metairie Park Country Day before graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from the Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

He then served in the United States Air Force, spending seven years on active duty followed by seven more in the Virginia Air National Guard. 

Throughout his air force career Tracy flew the A7D, AT38B, and F16C/D aircraft.

Tracy joined American Airlines in 1987 gaining ratings and experience on seven different aircraft types across the fleet. He served as Chief Pilot of AA’s largest base at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International as well as Fleet Manager/Captain for American Airlines’ Boeing 737-fleet of more than 300 aircraft and 3000 pilots.

Tracy served as a Check Airman on the 737 and 787 as well as Standards Coordinator and Aircrew Program Designee (FAA APD).

Tracy retired in September of 2023 after 36 years of service to American Airlines. 

Since retiring, Tracy has been contracting as an instructor on the Boeing 737, 757, 767, and 777 with various companies, maintaining his skills, knowledge, and ratings.

Tracy's compendium of experience is an inestimable benefit he is bringing to Commonwealth Airways 

Tracy lives in the Dallas metro area and is working towards a Master's of Science in Information Systems with Golden Gate University.

With over 40 years of exceptional experience in the commercial aviation industry, Elena has crafted an exemplary career, most recently serving as the Inflight Operations Manager for a major global airline. 

In this role, she led a dedicated team of flight attendants, overseeing both domestic and international flights while ensuring exceptional crew performance, stringent safety compliance, and an outstanding passenger experience, including the handling of VIP travelers. 

Known for her calm and decisive leadership amid high-pressure situations, Elena was instrumental in maintaining smooth and efficient operations, consistently prioritizing both crew and customer needs. 

In addition to her operational acumen, Elena has been a passionate mentor to aspiring leaders, spearheading international service initiatives and playing an integral part in fostering employee engagement. 

Throughout her career, she has garnered admiration for her professionalism, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to supporting her teams through both routine operations and unforeseen challenges.

Leon Cabreja is a bilingual aviation and security professional with a distinguished background in federal law enforcement, airline operations, and aviation security management. 

With over 15 years of experience, he has served as a Federal Air Marshal, Police Officer, and Combat Arms Program Manager—bringing a unique blend of operational leadership, regulatory compliance, and threat mitigation expertise. 

He has led multi-agency investigations, developed security audit programs, and managed Ground Security Coordinator teams across military and civilian sectors. Leon also holds a Top Secret SCI clearance, a Private Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating, and is completing his Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Science at Liberty University.

Leon is building the airline’s security department from the ground up and will work closely with the TSA and executive leadership to ensure full regulatory compliance and operational readiness for our entry into service. His comprehensive understanding of TSA regulations, charter operations, and crisis management—combined with a deep passion for aviation—positions him as a key asset in protecting both passengers and crew. 

Leon is committed to advancing within the aviation industry and driven by a long-term vision to support safe, inclusive, and innovative air travel operations.

Ralph is a Los Angeles native who comes to Commonwealth Airways from a 32 year career in airport and airline operations. 

As a researcher for the Korea Airports Corporation Ralph wrote the first Airport Operations Manual for Seoul-Gimpo International Airport. 

In 1992 Ralph became General Manager for Asiana Airlines at Los Angeles International (LAX). 

During his three decade career Ralph was the primary liaison between Asiana Airline and the LAX, federal and state authorities. Ralph also oversaw the contract service providers for the airline.

He is experienced in the oversight of security, ramp operations, catering, and training. 

Ralph wrote and administered the security, disability, ramp, dangerous goods and emergency preparedness training and operations programs.

Ralph is a graduate of Western Washington University (BA Public Administration) and Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea (MBA Business Administration). 

Ralph looks forward to bringing his deep understanding and skills to building and managing the Commonwealth Airways Safety and Compliance program.

Naomi brings more than thirty years of career experience in both public and private sector Finance positions to Commonwealth Airways. 

As part of her remarkable career Naomi served as a Manager of Financial Accounting for US Airways until their merger with America West. 

She then served in financial positions with a selection of companies in the Washington DC real estate services market.

She has diverse experience across a variety of financial positions including as an Outsourced CFO, Accounting Manager, Senior Accountant, Financial Accounting Manager, Project Accountant, Corporate Controller, Mall Property Controller, and Senior Property Accountant.

Prior to joining Commonwealth Airways Naomi was a Senior Associate at Chazin & Company providing outsourced accounting and finance services to multiple non-profit organizations across the country.

Naomi is a dedicated professional with a team focused approach on accuracy and efficiency in financial services.

Naomi holds a BA in Business from New England College and currently calls the Baton Rouge, Louisiana area home.

Paul Korpas comes to Commonwealth Airways from a twenty-five year career spanning service with Airtran, American, Allegiant, Cape Air, and Via Air. 

Paul’s experience also includes service with ASIG, Aerotek, and most recently with Collins Aerospace. 

He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of West Florida and a Master’s degree in Human Factors in Aeronautics. 

Paul is responsible for the planning, direction, and oversight of our training and apprenticeship programs across the airline and the coordination of our recruiting and retention programs. 

Paul is married and currently lives in central Florida.