Our Story

About us

Skyfly was founded with a shared ambition of redefining personal air travel.

Led by a team of expert engineers and aviation specialists — including Dr William Brooks, who has designed, built, and certified over 2,000 aircraft currently in operation — Skyfly developed The Axe VCA (Vertically Capable Aircraft). Our flagship aircraft embodies the team's mission to offer a safer, smarter, and more sophisticated way to explore the skies.

Management Team

Michael Thompson

Chief Executive Officer

Brings expertise in UAV operations, business growth, and strategic leadership. Built a leading UK commercial drone company, delivering UAV surveys, inspections, and filming for global brands. Experienced helicopter pilot, contributing valuable aviation insight to Skyfly’s vision.

Dr William Brooks

Chief Technical Officer

Leads Skyfly’s aircraft design and certification, leveraging 30+ years of experience in light aircraft development. Has designed and certified over 2,000 aircraft currently in service, ensuring technical excellence and regulatory compliance.

Stjohn Youngman

Chief Operating Officer

Drives Skyfly’s electrification and propulsion strategy, with expertise from McLaren, JLR, and Electroflight. Led multi-million-pound electric aviation projects, secured FIA world records, and scaled an aerospace business to acquisition—now applying that expertise to Skyfly’s hybrid propulsion innovation.

Richard Tuthill

Chairman

Brings world-class engineering and manufacturing expertise from leading Tuthill Porsche. His experience in high-performance production and global supply networks supports Skyfly’s aircraft development and market expansion.

James De Couter

Chief Financial Officer

Oversees Skyfly’s financial strategy, ensuring strong fiscal management and operational efficiency. Formerly at Prodrive, managing financial planning and governance across complex engineering projects.

Engineering Team

John Wighton

Structures and Certification

Ensures Skyfly’s structural integrity and certification compliance. 35+ years in aerospace, former Chief of Stress at Pilatus Aircraft, and expert in airframe development.

Phil Hall

Certification and Compliance

Manages regulatory approvals and compliance, bringing decades of experience in aviation engineering and aircraft inspections. CAA/LAA-approved flight test pilot and compliance specialist.

Mohamed Omari

Flight Control Engineer

With award-winning research in EEG-controlled exoskeletons and biomimetic robotics, Mohamed enhances automation and precision in hybrid propulsion.

Rob Martin

Lead Composites Engineer

Expert in lightweight composite structures, critical for Skyfly’s efficiency and performance. Worked on Rolls Royce ACCEL, e-Go aeroplanes, and LAA composite innovations.

David Barden

Composites Engineer

Specialist in manufacturing advanced composite aircraft components. Previously built the e-GO light aircraft and VTOL UAVs for industrial and defence applications.

Devan Rudolph

Design Engineer

Develops Skyfly’s aerodynamic and structural designs, with expertise in electric aircraft, flight dynamics, and mathematical modelling.

Dimitri Gnennijs

Electronic Systems Engineer

Leads development of Skyfly’s power and control systems. Specialist in battery technology and control engineering, formerly Chief Powertrain Engineer at Warwick Racing.

Engagement and Distribution

Edwin Brenninkmeyer

Europe

Drives European sales and partnerships for Skyfly. Founder of Oriens Aviation, a leading distributor and service provider for Pilatus and Tecnam aircraft. Aviation venture capital expert with an Oxford MBA.

Bill Minkoff

United States

Leads Skyfly’s expansion in the US market. Former Navy pilot, Delta Airlines captain, and aviation safety expert. Runs private jet ventures and speaks at industry forums on air mobility.

Marcus Monsell

Marketing

Leads Skyfly’s marketing strategy, bringing expertise from building The Drone Co. and Mystify London into leading aerial and aviation marketing brands.

Adam Landau

Press and Communications

Manages Skyfly’s media presence and storytelling. Award-winning aviation journalist with deep industry knowledge and connections.

Board Advisors

Bachir Rabbat

Board Advisor

Provides strategic growth expertise, specialising in startup scaling, business transformation, and international market expansion.

Donough Tierney

Board Advisor & Industry Expert

Brings aerospace and defence expertise, helping Skyfly navigate global aviation regulations and partnerships. Formerly with Airbus, EADS, and Mitsubishi.