Expert

Sonnie Bates

CEO

WYVERN Ltd.

Sonnie Bates is CEO of WYVERN Ltd., the global leader in elevating safety and security for the aviation industry. He began his aviation career in the U.S. Air Force, where he served in various key leadership roles including Instructor Pilot, Flight Examiner, Flight Commander, Aircraft Maintenance Quality Assurance Evaluator, C-5 Galaxy Aircraft Commander, Boeing C-17 Safety Program Manager, and Director of Operations for the largest air freight operation in the U.S. Department of Defense.  

Bates’ experience in business aviation includes Chief Pilot, Safety Manager, and Captain on various types of business jet aircraft. He served as Program Director for the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), overseeing the International Standards program for 700 operators worldwide. He is Chairman of the NBAA Business Aviation Management Committee. His credentials and degrees include FAA Airline Transport Pilot, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Master of Science in Management, Master of Philosophy in Management, NBAA Certified Aviation Manager, ISSP Certified International Safety Manager, and IBAC accredited Auditor.