Ameriflight Named David Harvey as CEO

The nation's largest Part 135 cargo airline has appointed the former Southwest executive to lead the company.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Air Travel

A twin-engine cargo aircraft parked on a concrete tarmac with rows of shipping containers in the background under morning light. — Ameriflight has appointed David Harvey, a former Southwest Airlines executive, as its new president and CEO, succeeding Patrick Fluegeman. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ameriflight has appointed David Harvey as its new president and CEO, succeeding Patrick Fluegeman. Harvey brings over two decades of experience from his previous roles at Southwest Airlines and Wheels Up.

Why it matters

This leadership transition comes as the cargo airline manages a large fleet and continues its expansion into modern logistics, including drone operations. The change in command marks a new chapter for the company as it maintains its role in major logistics feeder services.

Ameriflight operates a fleet of more than 100 aircraft across 11 bases, facilitating 750 weekly departures for clients like UPS and DHL. The airline employs 500 people, including 150 pilots, to maintain its service across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and South America.

The players

David Harvey

He is the newly appointed president and CEO of Ameriflight who previously worked as the chief commercial officer at Wheels Up.

Patrick Fluegeman

He is the former president and CEO of Ameriflight who recently transitioned to the role of chief operating officer at Endeavor Air.

Ameriflight

This is the nation's largest Part 135 cargo airline that provides critical feeder services for major global shipping companies.

The details

Headquartered at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the airline has served as a key feeder provider since its founding in 1968. Beyond traditional cargo operations, the company received FAA permission in May 2023 to begin operating delivery drones.

Ameriflight was founded in 1968.
Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran Airways in 2011.
The FAA granted permission for drone operations in May 2023.
Patrick Fluegeman departed the company in July 2026.

Travel Outlook

The hiring of Harvey follows a career path shaped by the 2011 acquisition of AirTran Airways by Southwest Airlines, mirroring a trend of moving executive talent between passenger and cargo aviation sectors. This leadership shift highlights the ongoing integration of regional cargo networks into the broader, complex landscape of global logistics and air transit.

This leadership change is unlikely to disrupt current cargo schedules or service levels for businesses relying on the airline for logistics support. Customers and partners should expect consistent operations as the company maintains its current network across its 11 established bases.

The takeaway

The appointment of a new CEO with extensive passenger aviation experience signals a potential shift in how cargo airlines manage scale and efficiency. Readers should watch for how the company balances its legacy cargo routes with its emerging investments in new delivery technology.