The AViat Global management team
Aviation experts supporting Australia, Asia Pacific and the world.
Leighton Pittendrigh-Smith
Leighton is responsible for AViat Global’s line maintenance operations. Leighton is a trained, licensed aircraft engineer and holds a Bachelors of Technology Management degree. He has 26 years experience in aircraft engineering and airline management.
Leighton’s management career has covered roles supervising aircraft heavy maintenance, structural repairs, composites, line maintenance, interiors and component maintenance. He also has experience in acceptance and lease return of aircraft.
Leighton has worked alongside international airlines with responsibilities for airline maintenance, flight engineers and remote special operations and currently chairs an international safety committee and sits on Australian and UK boards.
Sam Abey
Sam Abey is an experienced Quality and Safety professional with 30 years in aviation, spanning airworthiness, regulations, engineering, maintenance, quality and safety management systems, risk management, compliance, auditing, investigations, and continuous improvement.
He has led aviation companies across Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu as Safety & Quality Manager (CASA), Compliance Monitoring & Safety Manager (EASA), and Quality Manager (ISO 9001:2015 / AS9100C). Across these roles he held five CASA regulatory approvals and two more in PNG and Vanuatu.
A certifying licensed aircraft engineer for the Qantas fleet, Sam holds a CASA CAT B1.1 Unrestricted / CAT C Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Licence endorsed for the B737, B747, and the full A320 family.
He completed a Graduate Certificate of Technology in Air Transportation Management at a major Australian university and holds qualifications including Aviation Safety & Quality Lead Auditor, Aviation SMS, Aviation Safety Investigations, Diploma of Quality Auditing, and EASA-approved Human Factors.
A proven performer with strong interpersonal skills, Sam leads and engages stakeholders at all levels. His loyalty, honesty, and high standards make him an invaluable asset to AViat Global.
