About Fly Modern Ark
Committed to transforming the aviation landscape through innovative solutions and expert consultancy
About Fly Modern Ark
Committed to transforming the aviation landscape through innovative solutions and expert consultancy
Empowering Aviation Excellence Through Innovation and Expertise
Founded with a vision to transform the aviation landscape in the African region, Fly Modern Ark (FMA) brings over a decade of expertise in aviation management. We specialize in comprehensive advisory and consultancy services tailored to the unique needs of regional airlines. Our seasoned professionals ensure that clients receive the highest level of support.
As a 100% South African black woman-owned company with a Level 1 BEE status, we proudly operate with integrity and commitment to excellence. Our offerings include aircraft leasing, sales of Boeing and Bombardier aircraft, and private jet rental services.
Fly Modern Ark is dedicated to enhancing aviation operations, providing solutions that empower our clients across South Africa and beyond.
Meet the Executives Behind Fly Modern Ark
Our leadership team at Fly Modern Ark (FMA) brings together a wealth of experience and expertise in aviation. With a deep commitment to excellence and innovation, our directors have been instrumental in driving FMA’s success and guiding our mission to transform the aviation industry across Africa. Their combined industry insights and strategic vision allow us to deliver the highest standards of service and innovative solutions to our clients.
Mr. Theunis Crous
Chief Executive Officer
Chier Executive Officer and Chief Restructuring Officer Mr. Theunis Crous is a seasoned avaition expert with a sharp focus on leading turnarounds and driving operational excellence. With a walth of experience in the aviation industry, Mr. Crous rings his strategic vision and dynamix leadership to the revitalization of LINHAS AEREAS DE MOCAMBIQUE (LAM) as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Restructuring Officer at Fly Modern Ark (FMA)
Mr. Crous has four fundamental objectives at the heart of his strategy for turning LAM’s fortunes around: – Enhancing Balance Sheet Strength: With a keen eye for financial viability, Mr. Crous aims to fortify LAM’s financial foundation, setting it on a solid path towards sustainability and growth. – Implementing Growth Strategy: Mr. Crous spearheads the strategic growth initiatives for LAM, charting the course to expand its presence and reach within the aviation industry. – Leading Information: In partnership with the Transformation Council, Mr. Crous orchestrates and accelerates the execution of the approved turnaround plan, aiming to restore trust and confidence among lenders, shareholders, and stakeholders. – Ensuring Short-Term Stability: Urgently focusing on immediate needs, Mr. Crous directs efforts to maange LAM’s short-term cash flow, alleviating concerns of secured lenders, customers, suppliers, and employees. His goal is to maintain smooth operations while pursuing solutions.
Expertise: Mr. Crous leverages his expertise to navigate the intricacies of restructuting and transformation. He ecvaluates LAM’s current position, crafting strategic options for a revitalized future. Short-term cash management is a priority to stabilize the airline and provide reassurance to key stakeholders.
Project Leadership and Collaboration: To ensure the success of the turnaround strategy, Mr. Crous employs project management excellence. He collaborates closely with the Aviation Group and legal experts, surmounting potential obstacles and steering the implementation of the agreed strategy.
Mr. Arson Molala
Chief Strategy Officer
Arson Malola Phiri is an experienced turnaround strategist and implementation leader with a successful 20 years track record of bringing bold vision and all-encompassing strategic planning to fruition. He has previously worked for a number of airlines and three of the top five investment banks, in senior and executive roles.
He was the Acting CEO of South African Airways Technical (SOC) Limited, a subsidiary of SAA Group during which time hte entity achieved the best financial performance in SAA Group. In the past 15 years he was responsible for formulating and successfully executed a number of Africa Market Entry strategies, more specifically for South African Airways, South African Express and Standard Bank of South Africa. He has also sat on a number of boards in the Africa region.
He is currently the Chief Strategy Officer at Fly Modern Ark South Africa Pty Limited and is the lead in driving the restructuting of LAM Airlines with a view to turning it around to profitability and commercial sustainability.
Arson is a seasoned entrepreneur who owns a number of successful businesses including retail and logistics. He owns a chain of Food Lover’s Market franchised stores in Malawi under Food Lover’s Market. Arson has an MSc in Fiannce, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Diploma in Business Studies.
Mr. Sergio Matos
Executive Director, Operations/Business Development Executive
Experienced professional with over 15 years of career in senior management positions in various companies in Mozambique. Known for strong leadership, business development, and large project management skills, with a strategic approach and vision for business growth.
Education: MBA, Specialising in International Businesses (University of Cumbria, Robert Kennedy College Programme), Attended 3rd Year Course in Accounting and Auditing (Universidade Católica de Moçambique), Intermediate Accounting and Auditing Technician (Instituto Comercial de Maputo – 2002)
Sergio Matos holds the position of Executive Director, Operations, and Business Development Executive, overseeing vital aspects of LINHAS AEREAS DE MOCAMBIQUE (LAM)’s revitalization under Fly Modern Ark (FMA). He is entrusted with directing the Restructuring and Turnaround Project, offering essential support to the Executive Board for achieving success.
– Coordinate and supervise the organizational restructuring of the airline of the Mozambique Airline. – Analyze and redesign processes to improve operational ef ciency. – Implement cost-cutting measures and resource optimization. – Work closely with top management to align strategic changes.– Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards.
With his experience, Sergio plays a key role in managing various aspects of LAM’s transformation journey. His responsibilities include orchestrating major commercial activities, fostering partnerships, and aligning LAM’s market presence with its customer value proposition. Additionally, he contributes to nurtuting LAM’s corporate culture, ensuring financial transparency, and overseeing project management efforts.
As the driving force behind the Restructuring and Turnaround Project, Sergio Matos plays a pivotal role in shaping the course of LAM’s revival.
Mr. Thabiso Kgosana
Business Development and Capital Funding - Associate
Mr. Kgosana has a B.A. Hons Degree from the University of Pretoria. He is looking at being accepted into the Master’s Postgraduate Programme in Future Studies with Stellenbosch University. He has lived and worked in Japan for over 5 years, where he also completed studies through JICA in Business Development, including Policy Formulation and Management of SMEs.
His experience in the development, implementation, procurement, financing, and management of diverse Business Development Programmes both in South Africa and Asia is well proven and documented.
Mr. Kgosana also has vast experience in the facilitation of customized risk, skills development, and change management programmes, including the overall transformation and capacity building of large organisations.
He is an excellent marketer and a well-rounded strategist, with extensive experience in both fields, and draws strength and personal growth from a huge pool of networks he has built through the years in both the public and private sector.
He was previously employed by Alexander Forbes South Africa as an Executive with Risk Services in the Metals and Minerals (Mining) Division; was the Group Marketing Director of the Open Learning Group, and not long ago was the Chief Executive Officer of Ikura Holdings, an Investment Company in partnership with one of the largest Empowerment Companies in the country, the Amabubesi Group.
Mr. Kgosana is currently the Managing Director of Ikura Capital Group, a Mergers and Acquisitions Business specialising in Strategic Investments. He is also an Associate Partner at ICP – Ikura Capital Partners, a recently formed Private Equity Joint Venture partnership between Ikura Capital and RMB Corvest.
He is a Partner at Cyberia Group, a Company specialising in Innovative ICT Solutions across the spectrum; he also runs and manages Kodejare International Consultancy with strategic focus on Deal Sourcing and Structuring.
As an avid activist, he is involved in a variety of business and commercial structures such as NAFCOC, BUSA, BBC, and the BMF.
Shareholders
Fly Modern Ark (South Africa) Pty Limited (FMA) is backed by a diverse group of shareholders who are passionate about the aviation industry and committed to its growth and sustainability.
