Thunder Bay, July 25, 2024 –Doug Carlson, 34, commercial helicopter pilot and Chief Operating Officer of AirSuite, is named one of Helicopter & Wings Magazine’s 2024 National Top 20 Under 40. Carlson, a contract helicopter pilot with 17 years of aviation experience and over 10,000 hours of violation-free flight time, holds active licenses to fly gliders, fixed wing, and helicopters. With an Electrical Engineering Technologist Diploma from Lakehead University, and 10 years of operations management and safety officer experience in Northwestern Ontario, Doug is transforming the way we think about digital aviation tools.
From the Ground Up
Doug’s journey in aviation began in high school as an air cadet, inspiring him later to earn his pilot’s license. “I decided in University that I’d shift gears and pursue my true passion for flying,” Carlson reflects. “As a contract pilot, I understood the challenges pilots and crews were facing daily. We were relying on excel spreadsheets, paper manuals, and multiple apps to try and meet regulatory requirements. I wanted to be part of the solution, helping to design systems to not only serve air operators, but also make flying safer.”
Transformative Projects
Carlson’s career at AirSuite has been nothing short of groundbreaking. As the project manager securing a coveted, federal contract within the Aircraft Services Directorate, the Air Operator within Transport Canada; Carlson is overseeing the company’s most complex contract. “This contract is enhancing and expediting the efficiency of Cirro for all air operators. We’re laser-focused on syncing safety with operations—it’s what air operators tell us they want, we’re the ‘all-in-one solution’. We will continue to deliver on that,” Doug explains.
The AirSuite team’s innovative approach has set new benchmarks in the industry, and it’s getting the attention of aviation companies across the border. Carlson and Michael Kleywegt, CEO of AirSuite, have been at the helm of the company since its inception in 2015, steering the team as it doubled in subscribers and staff in the last three years.
Leadership Beyond Flying
Doug’s impact transcends his technical expertise. He is a dedicated husband, a loving dad of Lucas and Jacob and spends his personal time exploring the outdoors in Northern Ontario with them. This year he was named an associate member of the board of the Helicopter Association of Canada.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Carlson is committed to advancing Cirro’s suite of offerings, with a focus on innovation and collaboration: “As an industry, we need to think beyond the way we’ve always done things and embrace, even lean heavily, on these new, reliable solutions. Technology is helping us make considerable leaps forward to improve safety and compliance,” he says.
“Doug’s recognition as a Top 20 Under 40 honoree is a testament to his exceptional contributions to aviation technology and his unwavering commitment to safety in the industry. As he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, Doug remains determined, energetic and passionate about the future of flight,” says Micheal Kleywegt, CEO of AirSuite. To read the full article visit the latest issue of Helicopters & Wings Magazine.
—30—
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Kim Latimer Communications Director [email protected] mobile: 807-621-4303 office: 807-577-7511 Jon Robinson Editor, Wings magazine [email protected] 647-448-6188 About Top 20 Under 40 The annual Top 40 Under 40 program, presented by Helicopters and Wings, focuses on young leaders who are driving Canada’s aviation and aerospace industries. These 40 influencers are chosen based on a demonstration of leadership, innovation, achievement and community involvement.
About Cirro by AirSuite We’re a preferred, trusted, and secure flight operations management system and Electronic Flight Bag
(EFB) on the North American market. Established in 2015, our software is fully compliant with Transport Canada, the FAA, and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations and restrictions. Cirro was developed with the entire aviation operation in mind—not only is it created by pilots for pilots—it is customizable and scalable for full company use, accommodating various fleet sizes and aircraft types across the commercial aviation industry. With a focus on enhanced efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance, we pride ourselves on continuous, next-generation, responsive development. Cirro is backed by a team of professional and trusted Canadian developers, our head office in Thunder Bay, Ontario.