Gary Staines

Managing Director

Gary began his career in aviation in 1979 working for Flightspares, a local aircraft parts company co-owned by the Father of a schoolfriend. Leaving after a couple of years to live in Canada to train as a pilot, Gary then returned to the UK and eventually to Flightspares, to work in parts sales for smaller turboprop aircraft and business jets. In 1985, together with a colleague, Gary left to establish Avocet Aviation, aiming to provide more comprehensive support for the King Air, Beech 1900 and Hawker HS125, all of which now fall under the Textron Aviation brand. Gary’s philosophy has always been to provide exceptional customer support while maintaining a relaxed, fun atmosphere in the office.

Outside of work Gary enjoys – skiing, cycling, golf, watching grassroots football and spending time with his family.

Gary says, “We spend the majority of our adult lives working, I believe a happy workforce will provide a more friendly, yet professional service.”

Gareth Roberts-Smith

Sales Manager

Gareth started working in 1981 at the company where his girlfriend’s Dad was a Director. It turned out to be a smart move as he married the Boss’s daughter and is still working in the aircraft parts industry 40+ years later. He joined Avocet in 2011 after working for 4 other companies and is looking forward to a few more years before playing golf full time. Gareth thinks that although certain aspects of the business may have changed, the simple maxim of providing the right part at the right price at the right time still seems to work best. He enjoys the fun and team aspect of working at Avocet Aviation and helping customers with parts solutions. He also enjoys training and mentoring the next generation of key Sales personnel at Avocet, although he cannot be blamed for their occasional outrageous behaviour.

Outside of work Gareth enjoys – being with his wife and family, playing golf, cycling, watching football, walking and generally being outdoors.

Gareth says, “The size of our company means we can respond quickly and flexibly to customer requirements, in a personal and relational way and in this age of big corporations that sets us apart and has aided our growth.”

Jamie Cowland

General Manager

Jamie has worked in aviation for 29 years, since leaving school in 1995 and starting in the stores at Flightspares, after a neighbour suggested it as a summer job. From there he moved to a new role within the company working in parts sales, before leaving in 1999 to take up a position in procurement for the aviation division of TNT. In 2001 Jamie made the move to Avocet after receiving a call from Andy Parks, offering him a new challenge working as a sales executive for Avocet. Proving himself an invaluable addition to the team, Jamie was offered the job of General Manager in 2011, and now handles all aspects of the day to day running of the company.

Outside of work Jamie enjoys – golf, running, cycling and playing football.

Jamie says, “I enjoy Avocet’s relaxed and friendly approach to business while ensuring that we always go the extra mile for the customer.”

Andy Parks

Sales Director

Andy started his aviation career in 1980 partaking in a YOP scheme (Youth Opportunity Programme) with Heavylift Aviation converting the SC5 Belfast aircraft to civil freighters. After the 6-month programme, Andy was hired by Heavylift via BAF (British Air Ferries), where he took up a contractor position in the stores. Later he moved across the airport and worked directly for BAF before leaving to pursue a career in the music industry. Returning to aviation in 1994, Andy took up employment with Flightspares, a local parts stockist, as a Customer Sales Executive. From there he made the move to Avocet, as a Sales Executive, before taking over the position of Sales Director.

Outside of work Andy enjoys - all aspects of music, listening, writing, playing, watching live bands, and generally socialising.

Andy says, “It’s great working with keen, motivated sales executives, a team we have built up over the years and come to rely on.”

Steve Musicka

Warehouse Manager

Steve began his career in aviation working school holidays and weekends at Flightspares, a local aviation company where his Father was employed. After leaving school at 15 years old, Steve started work full time with Flightspares, where he stayed for 3 years. After a brief career change to work as a Postman, Steve returned to Flightspares, and was there for 3 more years before he was called by Gary Staines to ask if he would be interested in a management position at Avocet. Steve agreed and started on 4th November 1987, the rest as they say is history, Steve has managed Avocet’s warehouse and logistics for over 36 years.

Outside of work Steve enjoys – watching sport, walking his dog and spending time with his family.

Steve says, “Watching the company grow from 3 of us in two rooms to a Global leader in the supply of aviation parts has been extremely enjoyable.”