With the understanding that building airplanes is just one facet of its overall business, Cirrus Aircraft has launched what it calls Cirrus Services, a division “created to build lifetime relationships with customers by addressing their needs before, during and after initial aircraft ownership,” the company said.
The new business unit combines flight training, service and support into a single division focused on delivering “world-class care, to make owning a Cirrus rewarding, safe and simple for a lifetime,” said Todd Simmons, Cirrus Aircraft President, Customer Experience.
“As Cirrus continues to grow aviation by bringing game-changing new personal aircraft to the market, most recently with the Vision Jet, we recognize the importance of bringing that same innovation to developing a premium, comprehensive and lifetime Cirrus ownership experience,” Simmons said.
The newly formed group will focus on expanding capabilities and offerings at the company’s Vision Center Campus in Knoxville, Tennessee, including a recently opened flight training center with a level-D full-motion Vision Jet simulator, as well as through a network of authorized service and training partners around the world.
Ravi Dharnidharka will lead Cirrus Aircraft’s customer experience team as Senior Vice President, Cirrus Services. Ravi joined Cirrus Aircraft in 2016 as Senior Vice President, Business Development. Before joining Cirrus, he served as director of business development for Senior Aerospace Ketema where he led strategic planning and execution of business growth functions. He has also worked in business development with UTC Aerospace Systems focusing on airline aftermarket service.
“Our goal is to welcome more people into general aviation by significantly elevating the entire customer experience,” Dharnidharka said. “Cirrus Aircraft is already known for an exemplary new aircraft sales and delivery experience and we’re excited to combine our collective talents into a fully integrated team dedicated to continuing that world-class experience throughout the lifetime of ownership.”
Dharnidharka is a former U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot with experience flying the AV8B Harrier and F5N Tiger II, and continues to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He holds an MBA from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
