Aviation Entrepreneurship

 We at Ambassador Air Group International, LLC (AAGI), a global company based in San Diego, California, aim to expand its global presence and capitalize on the growing tourism industry in Sri Lanka. Our endeavour is to establish LotusAir®, a new airline that offers affordable and innovative travel experiences while showcasing the essence of Sri Lanka.

LotusAir® will become one of the safest and most exceptional airlines globally, providing a naturally affordable option to explore the wonders of Sri Lanka. The company prioritizes shareholder returns, job security, and a culture of continuous improvement. The airline plans to operate from Ratmalana International Airport and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, with operations scheduled to commence in 2026.

For more information please contact us at: 

Mailing Address: 

Ambassador Air Group International, LLC  
5857 Owens Avenue

Suite 300

Carlsbad, California 92008

United States
Telephone: +1 (858) 356 4800
Facsimile:    +1 (619) 374 1362

Mobile:         +1 (619) 538-7500
Email: info@ambassadorairgroup.com  

D.L. & F. De Saram

Attorneys at Law

47 Alexandra Place

Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Telephone:  +94 (0)11 269 9600
Email: info@lotusair.lk

Scott Robinson
Founder & Managing Director

Scott, is the Founder and Managing Director of airCalifornia®, a new proposed 14 CFR part 121 airline startup based in Southern California. He brings 38 years’ professional aviation expertise in project start-ups and corporate management focusing on worldwide multi-national businesses as well as privately held companies engaged in delivering air transportation systems and services. 

In 2005, Scott founded Ambassador Air Group International, a full-service aviation consulting firm based in San Diego, California, established in 2005. The Group provides a wide range of comprehensive aviation services to investors, airline operators, airport owners, and federal and state aviation-related agencies. The Group has worked with and supported many of the world’s major airlines, airports, aircraft manufacturers, and governments.

Scott’s background includes:

       • Being the founder of airCalifornia®

       • Chief Operating Officer at Avolar Airlines, a Mexico low-cost B737 airline

       • Worldwide air carrier certification including, Northern Pacific Airways, LotusAir, JetAsia Airways, MEGA Maldives Airlines, Jazeera Airways, viva AeroBus, Occitania, Midway Airlines, Polar Air Cargo, and Morris Air

       • Senior leadership roles in airline integrated operations control centers and network planning with TWA, Continental Micronesia, Elevate Jet, and Del Mar Jet

      • FAA licensed Pilot and Aircraft Dispatcher with extensive international experience

Jennifer Ruscelle

Co-Founder and Vice President, Business Development, Technology & Platforms

Jennifer is a technology and innovation expert with a background in companies like IBM and SAP. She specializes in process optimization, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, and Supply Chain operations, as well as go-to-market strategy in various industries, including transportation.

Over the years, Jennifer's work has included optimizing total spend management, increasing organizational compliance, reducing operational risks, and fostering strong relationships with trading partners around the world. Jennifer is frequently engaged as Lead Negotiator on behalf of organisations due to her extensive experience in commercial negotiations.

In 2013, Jennifer joined Stretch Denmark, a startup consultancy in Copenhagen, and quickly became a Partner. Her contributions helped Nordic businesses leverage cutting-edge technology and streamlined processes to transform their operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall business value.

Jennifer holds a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Copenhagen, with an academic background in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.

At LotusAir, Jennifer is an advisor sitting on the Board of Directors, leading the business development and go-to-market strategy, including strategic alliances and acquisitions. She also oversees the acquisition of goods and services, ensuring standardized, streamlined, and compliant processes.

James B. Hanna

Vice President, Technical Services

Jim joined Ambassador Air Group in 2010 as Technical Director, later becoming Vice President of Technical in 2013. With over 44 years of aviation experience, he has held senior management positions in airlines, airworthiness authorities, and corporate jet organizations. Jim has successfully managed turnarounds and reorganizations at start-ups in various roles such as General Manager, Accountable Manager, and Director of Maintenance. He is the principal of Hanna Aviation Services, specializing in on-site representation of major business aircraft projects, process development and improvement, and independent auditing of facilities and operations. 

Jim is an ISO Lead Auditor, technical services/MRO SME consultant, and holds FAA Commercial Pilot, Flight Engineer, and Aircraft Engineer ratings.

 
Captain Philip D. Statham
Vice President of Flight Operations

Captain Statham is a highly experienced aviation professional, specializing in regulatory affairs and airport operations. He has served as a Flight Operations Inspector, EASA Operations and Flight Safety Manager, and B777 Captain for over 25 years, accumulating more than 10,000 hours of commercial airline experience.

Previously, Captain Statham worked at KLM and Emirates Airlines, where he became one of their first 777 commanders. He later joined MEGA Maldives Airlines as Director of Operations and Accountable Manager for Flight Operations, overseeing pilots, training, Flight Dispatch/OCC, In-flight, and Ground Operations.

Before his time at MEGA Maldives Airlines, Captain Statham held the role of Airline Operations Inspector at the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, where he ensured compliance with EASA regulations. He also provided oversight and certification for operations and training to over 4000 pilots, 300+ aircraft, and 100+ companies, including Air New Zealand, Jet Connect, and Air Works.

Ronald D. Brickerd

Sr. Director, Technical Services

Ronald is the Founder and Managing Director of Thayaan Aviation Consultants Group, offering comprehensive advisory services to the global aviation community. With 34 years of experience, he excels in aviation support, maintenance, and flight operations, demonstrating leadership and fiscal expertise in diverse environments.

Ron holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Aeronautics, Associate degrees in Aviation Maintenance and Information Management, and an A&P Diploma from Flight Safety International. He is currently pursuing an MBAA in Aviation Finance from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, set to graduate in June 2024. Additionally, Ron is a Certified Project Management Professional, Lean Sigma Six Green Belt trained, and a Quality Assurance Certified Auditor.

In his role, Ron helps to strategically plan and coordinate LotusAir's maintenance support services, while also driving business development for the company's MRO and technical ancillary revenue streams.

Juan Wolmarans

Director, Ground Operations

Juan brings over 25 years of experience in aviation ground support and flight operations to Ambassador Air Group. He has worked with renowned organizations such as South African Airways, Gryphon Airways, JetAsia Airways, MEGA Maldives Airlines, and Bangkok Airways, gaining extensive international experience.

With his expertise in managing airport operations, Juan has established proficiency and networks across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. He has overseen operations in various countries including Thailand, Maldives, China, Hong Kong, Palau, and Sri Lanka.

In his role with LotusAir, Juan will drive the development of airport and ground services in Sri Lanka, India, and Maldives. He will also play a key role in expanding our presence in the region.